QM-Freiburg

In the summer of 2008 Queen Mary, University of London and the University of Freiburg entered an agreement for research collaboration and exchange in the field of history. The University of Freiburg was named in 2006/07 among the nine 'excellence' universities of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the study of medieval and early modern Europe is particularly lively there. Like Queen Mary, Freiburg scholars address the ‘long’ Middle Ages, cast in an interdisciplinary frame, with particular expertise in the study of literatures and religious cultures. Like Queen Mary, the University of Freiburg cherishes its graduate students, and the initiative in question aims to nurture senior and budding scholars alike.

The collaboration will develop initiatives proposed by graduate students and members of the academic staff in each institution, coordinated at Queen Mary by Professors Kevin Sharpe and Miri Rubin. Annual meetings will take place alternately In London and in Freiburg (or their environs) for the discussion of themes of shared and emergent interest.

In the spring of 2009 the first colloquium, in Freiburg, was hosted by Professors Ronald Asch, Barbara Korte, and Birgit Studt, under the theme ‘Friendship and Patronage’ over the weekend of 15-17 May 2009. Click here for the programme.

In 2010, Professors Miri Rubin and Kevin Sharpe hosted a workshop for Freiburg and Queen Mary Students in London on 7-9 May 2010. Click here for some photos.

In 2011, the third colloquium took place in sunny Freiburg again. Graduate students convened on 20-22 May 2011 to present papers on various aspects of 'Conflict and Contention'. Click here for the programme and abstracts.

In 2012, the fourth colloquium is going to take place in London on 10-12 May. The topic is 'Conspiracy, Secrecy, and the State.'

Those interested in details of this partnership should contact Miri Rubin.