A Special Place for International Research and Scientific Exchange

Open the door to a place dedicated to excellent research in the social sciences and humanities. 

Designed as an international Institute for Advanced Study, the College for Social Sciences and Humanities brings together exceptional scholars from around the world to exchange ideas, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and build lasting partnerships.

The College offers a space  for innovative research across disciplines. It is built on three cornerstones: 

• research professorships
• research groups
• the international Senior Fellowship Programme with its unique tandem principle. 

In our new film, Founding Director Professor Julika Griem shares the vision behind the College and explains how it serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary exchange.

Former 2025 Senior Fellows Professor William Collins Donahue and Professor Tannistha Samanta reflect on how the tandem principle shaped their interdisciplinary research at the College, sparked meaningful collaborations from day one and enriched their fellowship experience.

They also share what made their time in the Ruhr region unforgettable, from Essen's arthouse cinemas to walks around Lake Baldeney.

Discover the ideas, people and partnerships that continue to shape the College as a cross-university forum for excellent research in the social sciences and humanities. As part of the University Alliance Ruhr, the College connects the strengths of Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund  University and University of Duisburg-Essen within one of Germany's most dynamic academic networks.