Matthias Middell, born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1961. Ph.D. from University of Leipzig. Professor of Cultural History at the University of Leipzig.
Fellow (1 February 2011 – 30 June 2011)
PORTALS OF GLOBALISATION AND A TRANSNATIONAL HISTORY OF EUROPEAN TECHNOLOGY
My research project aimed at exploring the role of technology in the interaction between European and non-European societies from 1850 to the present. It focused on the long lasting legacy of colonialism and the effects of Cold War constellations when European societies at both sides of the iron curtain participated in the competition of the US and the USSR for imposing their models of development and modernization. It is part of a theme group “Inventing Europe” which prepares a multivolume history of Europe through the lenses of technology. I used my time at NIAS for the collection of material for the book and met with my co-authors Dirk van Laak (University of Gießen) and Maria Paula Diogo (New University of Lisbon) several times for further coordination. A couple of other books and articles were completed during the five months stay as well.