An International and Interdisciplinary Research Project

Finding Purpose in the Face of Uncertainty

Anxiety and Confidence Looking Forward – for a new interpretive approach
to our complex problems in the present and the future

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Book Launch, 28th of Novemeber 2024 at 18:15: “Anxiety Culture”

Focus Talk at the Seeburg: Trump and no end to the horror

An evening event on Kiel’s contribution to the current book publication “Anxiety Culture” by Hopkins Press, USA

In a time characterised by political and economic uncertainty, climate catastrophes and migration issues, the recently published book “Anxiety Culture” by Johns Hopkins University Press examines our current social anxieties. The book is the result of an international research initiative that began almost a decade ago at Kiel University.

To celebrate its publication, a “Focus Talk” at the Seeburg will reflect on our current anxiety culture. The event is open to all and offers a varied programme with academics and students, including a presentation of the book, student activities, keynotes on “Political Instability” and “Environmental Destruction”, panel discussions and a talk by special guest Professor David Schultz on “Trump’s victory and Europe’s security”.

 

Structure

Research

The Anxiety Culture Project explores how anxiety shapes today’s globalised world and supports innovative, interdisciplinary research that generates solutions for society

Network

The ACP unites international researchers across multiple disciplines to study how anxiety shapes contemporary society and to develop informed, practical solutions

News & Events

Stay informed about upcoming lectures, workshops, and collaborative activities that showcase the latest research and developments within the ACP

Contact

For inquiries, collaborations, or further information about the ACP, please reach out to our team—we’re happy to assist you

 

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Anxiety Culture Center

| Governance

The Anxiety Culture Center is the organisational body of the research project. Here all decision-making processes converge, ensuring the structure for successful research (from December 2022 onwards).

Our aim is to develop a contemporary science management. This means: offering as much freedom as possible for research while at the same time strategically reflecting of research programmes is also required.

In addition to funding opportunities and assistance with campaigns in research communication and scientific policy advice, the centre also seeks to ensure that young researchers are optimally supported. A further training programme offers therefor the opportunity to develop the potential and talents of junior staff. Senior Scientists also benefit from this.

The organisational body is represended by a Center of Kiel University, Germany. This formal structure offers by December 2022 the legal background for the partnershiph with Columbia University, funding effors and collaborations.

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Transfer / Artistic Implementation / Engagement 

| Outreach

Good research deserves to be communicated to the world. We want to ensure that science communication conveys the results to the appropriate target groups.

It is also important that decision-makers are specifically addressed. This can be supported by scientific policy advice. The curricula of the education systems should include the results of research on Anxiety Culture.

Art has – as a particular form of social interaction – a high priority in the project. On the one hand, art is used to accompany the interdisciplinary results of anxiety research. On the other hand, new forms of social exchange are created.

Outreach by artistic work is essential to the ACP. Creating new tools and instruments to deliver results and insights into public education, economic networks, society and the political arena is an essential aim.

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Research Cluster

Heart of the endeavour is the interdisciplinary and international scientific work. This is organized in four fields of research activities which are intersectionally supported by theory & methodology and technological observations.

Theory & Methodology

In a mutual approach of (Social / Natural) Sciences and Humanities, research on the different aspects of Anxiety Culture has to be carried out in a combination of methodological traditions and innovations, referring to data-sets and empirical findings in each area of investigation.

Technology

The four research clusters and their scientific teams propose the topics for investigation individually but they investigate always the (possible) impact of „New Technologies“ and „Automation / Artificial Intelligence“ which are defined by each area.

Education & Outreach

Strong belief in an implementation of research findings in educational curriculums. This engagement covers a wide research communication approach as well. Digital tools will be combined with classical formats like conferences and one on one meetings. Science Diplomacy and political consultation is part of this aim.

Climate & Environment

Earth warming and ecology, environmental protection, sustainability, agriculture, climate justice, etc.

Technological Shift, AI, Automation

Research and projects in this cluster are focused on the labor market and job prospects, communication and free speech, data protection, etc., in an environment of automation and digitalization.

Migration, Language, Culture & Discourse

Projects in this cluster cover a wide range of topics, including social integration, national isolationism, cultural identity, xenophobia, racism, etc.

Population Health

Public health care, mental illness, drug-abuse, violence, chronic diseases, pandemics, etc.