Mercator Research Groups
In a joint project with Stiftung Mercator, Ruhr University Bochum has established two “Mercator Research Groups” (MRG 1 and 2). In each Group three to four young professors form an independent research team supplied with state-of-the-art infrastructure, additional staff, and generous funds. They will be accompanied by a senior researcher of their own choice, who through his/her extensive experience can act as a mentor and advisor for the independent research of the young professors. The leadership of the MRG, however, will remain exclusively in the hands of the young professors.
The first Mercator Research Group "Structure of Memory" (MRG 1) started work in January 2010 and focuses on research in the Neurosciences. Composed of experimental and theoretical neuroscientists as well as philosophers, the team investigates episodic and semantic memory processes and their relation to other cognitive functions.
The second Mercator Research Group “Spaces of Anthropological Knowledge – Production and Transfer” (MRG 2) has taken up work in November 2010. This group of four professors focuses on research within the Humanities and Social Sciences.
The total funding volume for the two Mercator Research Groups amounts to 10 million Euro over a period of six years.
Next to their highly interdisciplinary research projects, the MRGs actively enhance internationalization as well as striving to improve the equality of gender in their fields.
26 Nov. 2010: Mercator Research Groups celebrate successful Kick-Off
On 26 November, the Mercator Research Groups "Structure of Memory / Struktur des Gedächtnisses" and "Spaces of Anthropological Knowledge / Räume anthropologischen Wissens" invited for a "kick-off event" jointly organised by the professors, to present their research projects and their work environment.
The event took place in the conference room of the research group "Structure of Memory", whose rooms, laboratories and facilities had been handed over to RUB just one day before by the BLB.
As the last of four appointed professors in the research group "spaces of anthropological knowledge" takes up service these days, both groups are now fully operational.
Accordingly, the event on the 26. of November aimed to present the research groups and their projects to the invited guests (from the Foundation Mercator, scientific organizations and faculty and administration staff of RUB) and to promote exchange and discussion between interested persons within and outside the university.
4th Nov. 2010: Fourth Professor of MRG2 appointed
On November 4, 2010, Christina Brandt was appointed as Professor of History of the Life Sciences and Philosophical Anthropology by the Rector of RUB, Prof. Elmar Weiler. The MRG2 "Spaces of Anthropological Knowledge" is now complete.
1st Nov. 2010: Prof. Hoffmann joins MRG1 as "Senior Scientist"
Prof. Dr. Klaus-Peter Hoffmann further strengthens the research activities of the Mercator Research Group 1 "Structure of Memory". The prestigious "Senior Scientist" joins the group from November 2010 to April 2011. Prof. Hoffmann's special interest is the evolution of cooperation between different brain areas for the organization of visuo-motor behavior in vertebrates.
For a brief overview of activities and research interests of Prof. Hoffmann, please see
Senior Scientist MRG1 Prof Hoffmann
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Mercator Research Group 2 "Spaces of Anthropological Knowledge": First three professors appointed
Following a symposium between 5 and 7 November 2009 to select the best suited applicants, the first three professors of the second Mercator Research Group at RUB have been appointed in Summer 2010. The fourth professor will be appointed in autumn 2010.
Mercator Research Group 2 “Spaces of Anthropological Knowledge – Production and Transfer”: Symposium to select professors
Flyer selection symposium MRG2 (only in German)
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Mercator Research Group 1 "Structure of Memory“: All professors appointed
Pressrelease RUB from 15.10.2009
