In the medieval history department, Kluge and his team are dedicated to the history of Europe between 500 and 1500. They are currently working on research projects on European economic and social history, urban and environmental history, and animal history. “I'm particularly looking forward to working on a history of the forest,” says Mathias Kluge. “However, research into animal husbandry in the pre-modern city will also be exciting – a topic that our new research assistant Lisa Sophie Scholl will be working on in her doctoral project.”

Another area of focus is the interface between historical studies and digital methods – “both in terms of research and in outreach projects that are to be developed together with students,” explains Kluge. “There are numerous inspiring opportunities for cooperation in Bremen, for example with the public history course, the German Maritime Museum, and the local archives and libraries.”

Professor Kluge's academic career began in Augsburg and led him to Bremen via a Humboldt Fellowship at the University of Alberta, a research stay at the Historisches Kolleg in Munich, and stops at the universities of Bayreuth and Duisburg-Essen.

“I felt at home here right from the start. The university has an excellent reputation,” says the medievalist. "I'm impressed by the tremendous support you receive here as a newly appointed professor – from the University Executive Board, from colleagues, and from dedicated university administration staff. I am now looking forward to shaping the teaching and research activities of the Chair of Medieval History together with my team."