Bonn University Ambassadors

Prof. Dr. Seán Allan (Great Britain / German Studies)

Current Research Institution:
University of St Andrews, School of Modern Languages

Current Position: Professor of German and Head of School

Research Interests:
Seán’s research falls into two main areas. The first of these revolves around the culture of the European Enlightenment and, in particular, the mediation of discourses of education and violence in the work of Heinrich von Kleist. His other research area encompasses the cinema of the GDR and seeks to situate East German film within a wider transnational tradition of filmmaking. His most recent book – Screening Art. Modernist Aesthetics and the Socialist Imaginary in East German Cinema (2019) explores the role of the Künstlerfilm – films about art and artists – in the development of new paradigms of socialist art in post-war Germany.

Why I recommend Bonn:
Bonn was the very first German city I visited after starting to learn German at school, and it seems fitting that, some 40 years later, I now work at the University of St Andrews in a Department of German that has had very close ties with the University of Bonn. The two-year Masters Programme in German and Comparative Literature – set up several years ago as a joint venture between St Andrews and Bonn – was a ground-breaking initiative that saw students from the UK and Germany spending a year studying in each other’s countries and developing a genuinely international perspective on their studies. Given our mutual interest in exploring questions of diversity and transnational approaches to scholarship, it is particularly pleasing to see that this inter-departmental relationship is set be extended into a much deeper programme of collaboration at a university level. In almost every respect our universities complement each other perfectly and I look forward to playing a role in promoting that collaboration in new and exciting ways.

Prof. Dr. Petr Sedlacek (Great Britain / Economics)

Current Research Institution:
University of Oxford, Department of Economics

Current Position: Associate Professor

Research Interests:
Petr is an economist with research interests lying on the intersection of macroeconomics, industrial organization and labor economics. In particular, most of his work analyzes how differences across workers and firms interact and affect each other and how they impact the way the macroeconomy functions. For instance, his research has documented that firms starting up in recessions tend to perform persistently worse compared to businesses started up in booms. Importantly, this holds true even after the aggregate economy recovers. Such effects make recessions even costlier because they create a persistent drag on the economy.

Why I recommend Bonn:
I was part of the University of Bonn between 2012 and 2017. During that period I spent most of my time around the Department of Economics. I found it to be both a fascinating research hub, but also a very pleasant, friendly and collegial environment.
The Department is unique in its diversity of thought. This is not only because it is formed by economists from many different research groups (applied and theoretical microeconomics, econometrics, finance, macroeconomics), but also because it is closely connected to the Hausdorff center for mathematics which houses world-class experts. As a young researcher, I learned a lot from my senior colleagues and greatly benefitted from their support. Without their help, I would have not progressed as quickly in my career as I have.
This diversity, and the open-mindedness necessary to accommodate it, is a defining feature of the entire University of Bonn. Over the years I had the chance to meet many people from different corners of the university and I never doubted that I made the right decision to move to Bonn.

Ambassador Prof. Dr. Petr Sedlacek (Great Britain / Economics)

Prof. Dr. Jocelyn Benoist (France / Philosophy)

Current Research Institution:
Université de Paris 1 – Panthéon Sorbonne, UFR de Philosophie

Current Position: Professor

Research Interests:
Metaphysics
Theory of Knowledge
Philosophy of Language
Social Ontology

Why I recommend Bonn:
The University of Bonn has a very strong tradition and is among the most important in the history of German universities since the Humboldtian reform. As the university of Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche and Heinrich Heine, it has a unique historical and romantic touch that can only provoke the imagination and fuel the inspiration of scholars who love Germany and are interested in its culture. Nowadays, it ranks among the most powerful scientific centers in the world. As the home of 'New Realism', it is one of the capitals of present-day philosophy at the international level. It plays a major role in the renaissance of German philosophy as, again, one of the leading philosophical cultures in the world.

Dr. Daniel Ayalew Mekonnen (Netherlands / International Politics)

Current Research Institution:
Wageningen University and Research, Economic Research Institute

Current Position: Researcher

Research Interests:
Daniel is a development economist, and his research interest lies in the field of food, nutrition and agricultural policy issues in low- and middle-income countries. His current research investigates the link between the food systems, consumer behavior and nutrient and dietary gaps in Ethiopia and Nigeria under the framework of agriculture for nutrition and health. He uses interdisciplinary conceptual tools to understand people’s behavior in production and consumption and the link with wellbeing outcomes. He applies micro-econometric models to infer policy options for improved wellbeing outcomes.

Why I recommend Bonn:
I would recommend the University of Bonn to early-career researchers based on own experience at the Centre for Development Research (zef) between 2012 and 2017. The University of Bonn offers various opportunities to students to build their own capacity and become research scientists capable of conducting independent research. To mention just a few: access to resources to be able to conduct original research (for example for the purpose of primary data collection and analysis), resources to participate in academic workshops around the world, organized public lectures that span across disciplines, cultural exchange and training workshops, and other networking events. The fact that Bonn is a seat of some international organizations is a big plus as it often brings renowned scientists and policy makers together, and this creates opportunities to participate in policy discussions on globally relevant topics. These, I believe, would help early-career researchers to have depth in own field of study but also broaden scope and view of the world. The museums in Bonn, the social and cultural events that happen throughout the year make studying at the University of Bonn truly enjoyable.

Ambassador Dr. Daniel Ayalew Mekonnen (Netherlands / International Politics)

Prof. Dr. Daniel Peterson (USA / Neurology)

Current Research Institution:
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

Current Position: Professor and Director

Research Interests:
The brain and spinal cord do not repair themselves following injury, unlike most other tissue in the body, so neurological injury and disease produce a life-long burden for the patient. My research is focused upon ways that we can help the nervous system heal by using a combination of stem cell therapy and gene therapy. In cooperation with my scientific colleagues at the University Clinic in Bonn, we are engineering new nerve cells directly within the brain from stem cells that already exist there. We hope this work will lead to new cures for neurological injury.

Why I recommend Bonn:
I initially came to Bonn to work with my colleague, Prof. Dr. Oliver Brüstle, on a Sabbatical supported by a Fulbright Fellowship. Prof. Brüstle was one of the world's leading scientists in this field and we joined our expertise to accomplish more together. While working here, I discovered that the University of Bonn has a vibrant and collaborative environment and that there was much world-class research being conducted in related fields. Furthermore, I found the community and surroundings to be very pleasant and comfortable. Bonn is an international city with the UN European Headquarters located here and with many international firms having headquarters here, so it is a supportive environment for a newcomer to Germany. I enjoyed being in Bonn so much that I arranged to continue projects with my colleagues at the University of Bonn and we now have funded projects that will keep me visiting Bonn to conduct our research together for several more years.

Prof. Dr. Ngoc Tran (USA / Mathematics)

Current Research Institution:
University of Texas at Austin, Department of Mathematics

Current Position: Assistant Professor

Research Interests:
I'm an applied mathematician with a diverse interest. I love to cross-pollinate my area (tropical geometry and probability) with other sciences. My research spans a diverse range of topics: a/ geometry of deep neural networks; b/ Bayesian networks used for modeling of extreme events (such as extreme weather, disasters...); c/ geometry of combinatorial auctions; and d/ longitudinal tracking of neural activities with electrode arrays.

Why I recommend Bonn:
As a mathematician, Bonn equals academic excellence plus freedom. The University of Bonn is the dream place to do Math: in addition to the mathematics department, there is the Max-Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn, and the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics. These are world-class research centers with a calendar full of activities. As a result, Bonn is always teeming with great researchers, full of seminars, summer schools, and thematic research programs in all branches of mathematics year-round. At Bonn, students and researchers not only gain solid knowledge, but they also build crucial career connections.

To top this off, Bonn is a wonderful city to live in. I gave birth to our daughter in Bonn, and accompanied her for two years to many parks and bike trips along the Rhine. The city is diverse: we made friends with many other families, Germans and internationals alike. I have a research appointment at Bonn every summer now, and our whole family counts down to these months every year. Do visit the University of Bonn, and I'm sure you would love it!

Ambassador Prof. Dr. Ngoc Tran (USA / Mathematics)

Prof. Dr. Roberto Hofmeister Pich (Brazil / Philosophy)

Current Research Institution:
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS

Current Position: Professor of Philosophy

Research Interests:
My main area of research is the history of medieval philosophy and early modern thought. Since I have an education both in philosophy and theology, my projects also concern philosophy of religion and the metaphysical background of theological systems, both in historical and systematic perspective. In particular, since 2011 I am fully dedicated to the research project “Scholastica colonialis: Reception and Development of Baroque Scholasticism in Latin America in the Sixteenth to Eighteenth Centuries”, i.e., a project that launches a long-term, exhaustive investigation of the development of Baroque Scholastic philosophy in Latin America during the colonial period. The main purpose of the project is to write, under scientific basis, the history of philosophy (scholastic philosophy) in Latin America. For that purpose, the project aims at preparing catalogues of manuscripts and printed works that record colonial Scholastic thought, as well as careful analyses and editions of important authors and texts. More recently, I formulated two specific project connected to "Scholastica colonialis", one focused on the history of metaphysics in Latin American Scholasticism, and another one related to the normative analysis and criticism of Black Slavery by Latin American and Iberian thinkers of Early Modern Scholasticism. This last project has been conducted by me in close connection to the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Bonn and the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies.

Why I recommend Bonn:
The University of Bonn is a place of excellence in teaching and research. It has outstanding professors and researchers, the atmosphere is very international and cooperative. If you are at the University of Bonn, you are in the world of research and education. My education in philosophy was deeply influenced by outstanding masters of the University of Bonn, with whom I cooperate in several ways since the end of my PhD. Studies at the University. Studying in Bonn opened the most important perspectives in my career as a researcher and university professor in my country (Brazil). Moreover, the University offers a very good structure of support for those who come from other countries.

Prof. Dr. Koichiro Agata (Japan / Public Administation)

Current Research Institution: Waseda University, Japan

Current Position:
Chair for Public Administration at Waseda University
President of Public Policy Studies Association Japan
Council of Administration Member of International Institute for Administrative Science
Vice-president of Humboldt Society Japan
Former President of Japanese Society for Public Administration

Research Interests:
My specialization is Public Administration and Management: what the Public Administration in a country or a region is and which function it should fulfill in domestic, regional and global contexts, is my main research question. I have researched the Information-Communications (Infocom) Policy in Japan and Germany since 30 years as concrete fields for regulative policy. De- and reregulation, cooperation with market and civic sectors, and consumer protection are to be analyzed. Further more I am interested in Science and Academic Policy, by which higher education and research activities in its background should be systematized and promoted. In this context I have been engaged very much in academic and students exchanges in general and especially between Japan and Germany.

Why I recommend Bonn:
The city of Bonn has very historical heritages as well as lots of contemporary facilities with a well-balanced demographic structure. Therefore, it turns out to be a typical optimal German city. On these backgrounds the University Bonn has a very long history and tradition as a higher education and advanced research institution. Its academic performance lies at the highest level in the world, not only in natural and engineer sciences, but also in human and social sciences.

Ambassasor Prof. Dr. Koichiro Agata (Japan / Public Administation)

Prof. Dr. Kikuko Kashiwagi (Japan / German Studies)

Current Research Institution:
Kansai University, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies

Current Position:
Professor at Faculty of Foreign Language Studies
Vice Dean, Division of International Affairs
Director, Kansai University Japan-EU Research Center

Research Interests:
My main areas of research are German literature in 20th and 21st century, German dramatic art and European ethnology. My specific interest lies in the relations between literary texts, social history and cultural phenomena with emphasis on alimentary habits.

Why I recommend Bonn:
University Bonn is one of the top-ranked universities in Germany and provides excellent conditions for research based on the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. Furthermore, Bonn is the gate to the romantic Rhine.

Prof. Dr. Luma Al Banna Al-Hawari (Jordan / Plant Protection)

Current Research Institution:
University of Jordan, Department of Plant Protection/p>

Current Position: Associate Professor/p>

Research Interests:
My interests are mentoring and advising student, conducting research, and teaching in the area of Plant Pathology and particularly, Nematology. My research is concentrated in taxonomy and management of plant parasitic nematodes based on their epidemiology. Conducting research and teaching nematology is not only to fulfil my own interests but also to provide services to both farmers and graduates./p>

Why I recommend Bonn:
Back in 2012, I had a fruitful discussion with Professor Florian Grundler, a nematologist and the Department Head of Molecular Phytomedicine at University of Bonn, during the European Society of Nematologists International symposia that was held in Adana, Turkey. In 2013, Prof. Grundler invited me to spend my sabbatical leaf in his Laboratory. I stayed in Bonn for almost seven months and since then I visited Bonn University several times for conducting research, for teaching nematode taxonomy, and to initiate collaboration between my university and University of Bonn.
I always enjoyed my staying in Bonn and at University of Bonn. Prof. Grundler‘s laboratories are very well equipped, and this makes work very effective. Grundler nematology group make scholars feel welcome. His group consists of several Post doctorates, PhD, MSc, and Bachelor students who work all as a team and produced high quality research. I believe this nematology team is one example of the teams existed at University of Bonn.
Another reason why studying at University of Bonn is the city of Bonn itself. Bonn city with its parks that lies along the banks of the River Rhine possesses a rich and attractive cultural scene with activities, festivals, museums, historic Churches, historic downtown, cafes and restaurants, music, parks including the botanical garden which is affiliated with the University of Bonn, and forests. It is worthy to mention that Bonn public transportation, busses and trams, is easy, comfortable, reliable, and efficient. Not only that but also trains networks cover the entire country and Europe and they are well organized infrastructure, with information and timetables available online.

Ambassador Prof. Dr. Luma Al Banna Al-Hawari (Jordan / Plant Protection)

Prof. Dr. Reuven Amitai (Israel / Islamic History)

Current Research Institution:
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Current Position: Professor

Research Interests:
The late medieval history of the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean and Inner Asia, mainly: the coming of the Turks and Mongols to the Middle East; the Mamluk Sultanate; the Mongol Ilkhanate; the Crusades and Muslim responses; military history; Islamization; late medieval Arabic epigraphy; Eretz-Israel/Palestine in the medieval period.

Why I recommend Bonn:
For a young researcher with intellectual curiosity and wide horizons, seeking both to deepen his or her disciplinary expertise and to profit from innovative inter- and transdisciplinary research groupings, Bonn University is an excellent place to spend several years after receiving one’s doctorate. The new Transdisciplinary Research Areas are looking for young scholars seeking both intellectual challenges and a conducive academic atmosphere.

Prof. Dr. Nir Davidson (Israel / Physics)

Current Research Institution:
Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Physics and Complex Systems/p>

Current Position: Professor / PI

Research Interests:
1. Dynamics and precision spectroscopy of ultra-cold atoms
2. Quantum degenerate Bose and Fermi gas
3. Coupled lasers
4. Slow and stored light in hot atomic vapor
5. Atomic interferometry

Why I recommend Bonn:
I have had several extended visits in the University of Bonn during the last years as a Humboldt visiting professor. In each visit I deeply impress with the excellent and cutting edge science done in the university, by the state of the art scientific facilities, equipment and infrastructure, by the joy and excitement of both the faculty and students, by the dedication of the support personal, by the warm relations between people and open and excellent atmosphere. Me and my family received extremely warm hospitality, made close friendships with many hosts and their families and felt at home. We enjoyed very much touring Bonn and its surrounding (again with lots of help from our hosts) and were exposed to the beautiful cites, rich history and culture and a lot of friendly people. We keep in close contact with many friends we met during our visits and are looking forward to return to yet another extended visit if this will become possible.

Ambassador Prof. Dr. Nir Davidson (Israel / Physics)

Prof. Dr. Tiegist Abebe (Äthiopien / Plant breeding and genetics)

Current Research Institution:
Bahir Dar University, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Current Position: Assistant Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics

Research Interests:
I am interested in plant breeding and genetics, population genetics and landscape genomics of crops. I am particularly interested to study the influence of climatic factors on natural adaptation of barley.

Why I recommend Bonn:
Because it is one of the top ten universities in Germany. It has students from different background and diversified origin studying and working in a friendly environment located in a small but cozy and welcoming city. it is a place where you can realize your dream of becoming a world class scientist, researcher or lecturer, if you work hard. So, it is a place for everyone with a dream, come and join.

Dr. Christine De Nardo (Australia / Biomedical Sciences)

Current Research Institution:
Monash University, Melbourne, Biomedicine Discovery Institute

Current Position: Scientific Coordinator

Research Interests: cell biology, innate immunity, cell death

Why I recommend Bonn:
How often does one get the chance to listen to the words of a Nobel Laureate within the chambers of what was once a residential palace - now a functional lecture room? I am fortunate to have had such amazing and unforgettable experiences during my time living in a picturesque city with a rich history, and working in one of Germany’s most prestigious universities. The university of Bonn is home to world-renowned researchers across several disciplines and has high-level technology facilities and infrastructure that puts it at the forefront of the Biomedical Sciences. Together with its strong record of research excellence the University of Bonn has a growing international reputation, making it a fantastic environment to pursue research or higher education.

Twitter handle: cmdenardo

Ambassador Dr. Christine De Nardo (Australia / Biomedical Sciences)

Professor Sammy Bedoui, MD (Australia / Microbiology)

Current Research Institution:
The University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity

Current Position: Laboratory Head & Immunology Theme Leader

Research Interests:
My research focusses on how the immune system decodes environmental and pathogen-derived signals. This ensures that immune responses are tailored to the specific needs and are limited to situations where they are required. Such fundamental insights are vital for the development of enhanced therapeutic options in the control of infections and cancer.

Why I recommend Bonn:
It is a power house of research that is up there with the best institutions across the globe. Innovation and entrepreneurship paired with a deep and fundamental sense of scientific curiosity make me look forward to every visit to Bonn University. Plus, Bonn is actually a very nice and lively place.