The renowned political scientist is investigating the connection between migration and the rise of right-wing populism in Western democracies - a highly topical issue of great social importance. Oliver Schmidtke will be in Germany for a total of 12 months in 2026 and 2027. He intends to use this time to expand his research network in Germany and Europe from Osnabrück, initiate new projects and undertake lecture and research trips, for example to the German Center for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) in Berlin or the European University Institute in Florence.
The Humboldt Research Award is one of the most important German awards for top international researchers and is endowed with € 80,000. It recognizes researchers whose work has had a lasting impact on their field and enables them to carry out research projects of their own choice at an academic institution in Germany. The fact that Oliver Schmidtke chose Osnabrück for his research project underlines the international appeal of IMIS and the Collaborative Research Center "Production of Migration". "There are many points of contact for my research here," says Schmidtke. "I am looking forward to deepening my work on migration, democratic resilience and populism in exchange with my colleagues in Osnabrück."
Oliver Schmidtke's academic career has taken him to some of the world's leading research institutions: after completing his Doctorate at the European University Institute in Florence, he worked at Harvard, Humboldt University Berlin and the University of Hamburg. Since 2000, he has lived and worked in Canada, where he headed the Centre for Global Studies at the University of Victoria until the end of 2025. As co-director of the Europe-Canada Network, he has been committed to strengthening transatlantic academic relations since 2006.
IMIS Director Prof. Dr. Helen Schwenken emphasizes the added value of the collaboration: "Oliver Schmidtke's comparative perspective on right-wing populist movements and parties is a great enrichment for us. We look forward to learning from each other." IMIS has already maintained intensive relationships with other European and non-European migration research institutes for many years - including in Canada. Oliver Schmidtke's stay at IMIS is intended to further deepen these relationships.
SFB spokesperson Prof. Dr. Andreas Pott, who nominated the award winner, is looking forward to the implementation of the joint plans: "In addition to events for doctoral students, dialog and transfer activities are planned to link academic and social debates. Joint analyses and publications will also be produced as part of the CRC."
The Humboldt Research Award is presented annually by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to leading international researchers who live and work abroad. Award winners can conduct research in Germany for up to one year and collaborate with German colleagues.
Further information for editorial offices:
Prof. Dr. Andreas Pott, Osnabrück University
andreas.pott@uni-osnabrueck.de
https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/imis
https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/sfb1604
