14.03.2017 in Research, Science

Indian Ocean Studies: ideas that travel

Globalisation isn’t new. It effectively started in the 16th century. Back then, sailors navigated the Indian Ocean and the world’s other seas. This was accompanied by active trading: traders brought with them goods, languages and ideas. All of these influences are examined today as part of the study programme “Indian Ocean Studies” and represent some of the aspects social anthropologist Professor Burkhard Schnepel is investigating. He has created a unique network in Halle in partnership with the Max Plank Institute for Social Anthropology. Read more

13.10.2016 in Featured, Research, Science

Oil in Chad: a blessing and a curse

When a country has access to oil reserves, this goes hand in hand with unimaginable wealth, right? Chad is one of the poorest countries in the world. Since 2003 oil has been produced in this central African state. For twelve years, ethnologist Dr Andrea Behrends has been onsite examining how its society and culture have been changed by oil production. Read more

28.08.2012 in Research, Science

Researching amongst war and crisis

Research is not always a local issue. For a long time now, scientists have been on the move on every continent in search of answers. Sometimes they have to venture into uncertain territory Read more

17.05.2012 in Research, Science

No room on the field for religion?

Sprinters who cross themselves after breaking a new record. Footballers who celebrate their long awaited goal by folding their hands in prayer. Female athletes who only appear in head scarves Read more