Following up on Ömer Demirtaşoğlus research stay at the RTG during the month of July 2025 we would like to reflect with him about his experience and the impact it had on his research. If you would like to find out more about him, we welcome you to read the article previous published on our page.
Johanna: What motivated you to undertake a research stay at this particular RTG?
Ömer: My primary motivation for a research stay at the RTG “Standards of Governance” was its unique interdisciplinary approach to “good governance”. My research focuses on the principles of good governance within Turkish administrative law, which is traditionally a very legalistic field. I was convinced that incorporating a political science perspective would significantly enrich my work. The RTG at TU Darmstadt, with its focus on the very norms and practices I am studying, presented a perfect opportunity to gain this new perspective and move beyond a purely legal analysis. Seeing how these concepts are approached from different academic disciplines was a key factor in choosing this specific program.
Johanna: What is your dissertation about?
Ömer: The PhD process in Turkey has some differences than in the PhD process in Germany. PhD students must take and pass certain courses before deciding on their dissertation topic and beginning to write their dissertation. At the moment, I am in the stage of my PhD where I am taking my courses. Therefore, my dissertation topic is not decided yet, however it will be about the field of administrative law.
Johanna: In what ways does your dissertation intersect with the RTG’s research programme?
Ömer: The RTG’s core mission is to study the set of norms and practices defined as “good governance”. The importance of the principals of good governance has increased both for the doctrine of Turkish administrative law and administrative courts’ decisions in Turkey. Since my dissertation will be about Turkish administrative law, the RTG’s programme allowed me to place my legal research into a broader theoretical and international context.
Johanna: Let us dive into your research stay here in Germany: What was your experience of your time in Darmstadt?
Ömer: My time in Darmstadt was an incredibly positive and productive experience, both academically and socially. Academically, it was stimulating and offered a new perspective on my research. The atmosphere within the RTG is intellectually stimulating and supportive. There is a strong culture of constructive feedback and open discussion, which encourages us to challenge ideas while learning from one another. Interdisciplinary exchange is highly valued. Socially, I found the city welcoming, and the environment at the university was exceptionally collegial. Everyone I interacted with at the RTG and the university was remarkably helpful and hospitable, which made my stay both enjoyable and seamless. The group is welcoming and inclusive. People make an effort to connect beyond the formal setting, whether through shared meals or occasional social events. This balance of academic seriousness and personal warmth creates an environment where you can grow both as a researcher and as a person.
Johanna: In what ways did you engage in the program of the RTG and with its members? Were there any particular events or formats that stood out to you?
Ömer: I engaged with the program primarily through informal discussions, meetings with faculty, and by participating in the academic life of the institute. A particular highlight for me was the opportunity to attend a colloquium. Witnessing firsthand how a research colloquium is structured and conducted in Germany was a fantastic learning experience. It offered deep insights into the local academic culture and the rigorous process of scholarly debate. These interactions were instrumental in helping me refine my own research questions.
Johanna: What insights or inspiration did you gain from your stay in Germany?
Ömer: The most significant insight I gained was a practical understanding of how an interdisciplinary research project is managed and executed in Germany. Observing the collaboration and intellectual exchange at the RTG was truly inspiring. It reinforced my belief in the value of stepping outside one’s own discipline to ask better questions and find more robust answers. This experience has directly influenced how I plan to structure the next stages of my PhD process.
Johanna: Were there any specific concepts, readings, or discussions at the RTG that influenced your thinking?
Ömer: Yes. As a doctoral researcher in law, I found that legal concepts, along with the extensive academic articles and court decisions I was able to access through the RTG, had a significant impact on my thinking. These resources deepened my understanding of the interplay between theoretical frameworks and judicial reasoning. In particular, exposure to examples from different legal systems and comparative analyses helped me refine the methodological approach I could adopt in my own research.
Johanna: Did your research take a new direction or shift during your stay?
Ömer: Since my dissertation topic is not clear yet, I cannot say that my research took a radical new direction. However, it can be said that it definitely gained a new dimension. My visit to the RTG has shown me that a purely legal perspective is insufficient to fully grasp the challenges of implementing good governance. The exposure to political science theories has provided me with a new analytical toolkit that I could use while writing my dissertation thesis. It caused a shift in my approach, pushing me to integrate theoretical frameworks about state-society relations and policy implementation more deeply into my legal analysis.
Johanna: How did the intellectual environment at the RTG differ from that at your home institution?
Ömer: The intellectual environment at the RTG was highly interdisciplinary, bringing together scholars from law, political science, sociology, and related fields. This diversity of perspectives encouraged me to approach legal questions within broader theoretical and empirical frameworks. The atmosphere fostered open, critical discussions and collaborative problem-solving, both in formal seminars and in more informal settings. This dynamic exchange of ideas greatly enriched my analytical perspective and contributed meaningfully to the development of my research.
Johanna: What will you take away from your time here, in terms of personal growth, intellectual development, or professional advancement?
Ömer: I will take away a broader, more nuanced understanding of my own research topic. Intellectually, I have a new interdisciplinary lens through which to view my work. Professionally, observing the German academic system has been invaluable, and this experience will certainly benefit my career as a Research Assistant at Hacettepe University. On a personal level, the warmth and hospitality I received have made this a very memorable and enriching cultural experience.
Johanna: After this interesting reflection on your research stay at the RTG I would like to turn to the future. Do you see any opportunities for further collaboration with members of the RTG?
Ömer: Absolutely. I have made some excellent connections and have had very promising conversations. I hope to maintain these relationships and explore possibilities for future collaboration, perhaps in the form of joint publications or participation in conferences. The shared research interest in “standards of governance” provides a strong foundation for continued academic partnership.
Johanna: What are your hopes and aspirations for your upcoming research?
Ömer: My hope is that my research will contribute meaningfully to the legal discourse on the relationship between the principals of good governance and the administrative law in Turkey. By integrating the insights gained during my stay at the RTG, I aspire to produce a dissertation that is not only legally sound but also relevant to policymakers and informed by a broader political and social context. Ultimately, I hope my work can play a small part in strengthening administrative law and practice in my country.
Johanna: Thank you so much for this extensive interview! We wish you all the best.