On April 1, 2025, the second cohort of the DFG Research Training Group “Standards of Governance” took office. Ten new doctoral candidates are starting their research projects – five of them at the Technical University of Darmstadt and five at Goethe University Frankfurt. With them, the Research Training Group gains new perspectives and strengthens inter-university cooperation.
The research projects of Elena Dressler and Christian Lietz exemplify the breadth of content that the new cohort brings to the table. In her dissertation, Elena Dressler examines the topics of violence, organized crime, and democratic strategies for curbing them. The focus is on how these phenomena relate to principles of good governance. The geographical focus of her work is on Latin America. Her reasons for applying for a doctoral position at the graduate college are the structured environment and the professional exchange with other (young) scientists. This offers an excellent opportunity to promote synergies and develop joint projects.
Christian Lietz cites similar motivations and is particularly looking forward to the interdisciplinary collaboration. His research explores the tension between economic valuation methods and climate-ecological transformation programs. In the initial phase, he wants to identify specific points of contact with the concept of “standards of governance” and further focus his topic.
The research topics of Elena Dressler, Christian Lietz, and the other doctoral students address current and highly relevant social issues. We are very excited about the new impetus that the second cohort brings and look forward to the collaboration, fresh perspectives, and lively exchange in the coming years.
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