Final 2016 Kolleg Programme & Abstract Book: TIME (click here)
LOCATION: Munk Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
DATES: May 5 – 8, 2016
The Kolleg focused on the theme of “Time“ held in Toronto from May 5-8 was highly
successful, bringing together a total 95 scholars which included 31 Early Career Scholars, 12
Other Scholars and 22 DAAD alumni. The expenses related to the 22 DAAD Alumni are
covered by a separate grant from the DAAD. Thus, the costs of the 73 participants who are not
DAAD Alumni are counted in the in the funding request to the AvH.
Feedback from all attendees of the conference were universally positive. There were several
factors which contributed to the success of the programme.
1. The choice of ‚Time‘ as a central theme.
The theme allowed participation of scholars from a wide range of disciplines, with
enthusiastic response to our initial call for papers. Indeed, several submissions, late in the
planning of the conference, could not be fitted into the programme due to constraints within
the 3-day programme. As evidenced by the papers presented, this Kolleg showcased a truly
multi-disciplinary academic exchange amongst scholars at throughout the conference.
2. The 3-day duration of the conference.
Three full days allowed for scheduling of general sessions with talks from scholars across
disciplines to facilitate multi-disciplinary exchange. The concurrent session, which were
programmed with speakers within the same/similardisciplines allowed for more indepth
content-specific discussions. Moreover, as can be seen in the attached programme, all
sessions included talks from both early and established scholars with the view of generating
and fostering discussions amongst potential mentors and mentees. The duration of the
meeting also allowed for ample time during breaks to allow discussions initiated within
sessions to continue at more informal settings.
3. The venue.
The Campbell Conference Centre, embedded in the Munk School of Global Affairs, was
specifically chosen to foster discussion and networking. Designed in the tradition of
Oxford University College quadrants with the meeting rooms at each side of the central
quadrant, the open spaces in the quadrant (both indoor and outdoor) with benches and
tables allowed for conversations in an informal setting throughout the 3 days of the
conferences. Indeed, the both indoor and outdoor spaces were much used by the delegates
for conversations during the breaks throughout the meeting.
4. Participation of 31 Early Career Scholars.
A concerted effort was made via contact with the DAAD, AvH alumni, personal meetings
with Post-Graduate Training Offices and International Relations Offices of the many
universities in Ontario and Quebec to invite Early Career Scholars to the Kolleg. Our
success in recruiting 31 Early Career Scholars was compounded by their active engagement
as Speakers, Session Chairs and Round-Table Discussion Leaders. The feedback from these
Early Career Scholars was outstanding with at least 3 who are now stimulated to actively
pursue further research studies in Germany.
5. The bus excursion to the wineries and dinner in the Niagara region on Saturday
afternoon and evening.
The setting allowed for much lively conversation amongst and between participating
scholars that was evident throughout the afternoon and evening. Despite the late hour (with
the bus arriving back in Toronto near midnight), the noise level on the bus was testimony of
the lively discussions amongst the delegates that continued well after our dinner round table
discussions.
Note: Text above prepared by Prof. C-W Chow, HAC President and Kolleg Organizer