MPI for Social Anthropology Celebrates 25th Anniversary

MPI Director Ursula Rao opens the panel discussion “Does Transformation Need Science?” in the main seminar room of the Institute.

Christian Doeller, Vice President of the Max Planck Society, welcomes the panellists and guests.

Christian Doeller addresses a full house during his welcoming remarks. Simultaneous English interpretation was provided during the entire event.

With the main seminar room filled to maximum capacity, additional seating was set up in the adjoining foyer to accommodate the remaining audience members.

The panel discussion addressed the topic “Does Transformation Need Science?” Panelists were (from right to left): moderator Florian Felix Weyh; Egbert Geier, Mayor of the city of Halle (Saale); Christine Sattler, Executive Director of the Freiwilligen-Agentur Halle-Saalkreis e.V.; Armin Willingmann, Minister of Science, Energy, Climate Protection, and Environment of Saxony-Anhalt; Patrick Jahn, Professor for Health Service Research, University Medicine Halle (Saale); and Ursula Rao, Director at the MPI for Social Anthropology

Mayor Egbert Geier (centre): Was instrumental in the city of Halle’s successful bid to host the Future Centre for German Unity and European Transformation.

Christine Sattler (right), Executive Director of the Freiwilligen-Agentur (volunteer agency) of Halle, calls for more interchange between researchers and civil society.

Patrick Jahn, Professor for Health Service Research, University Medicine Halle (Saale)

Attentively listening in the audience: Asta Vonderau, Professor at the Institute for Social and Cultural Anthropology, MLU Halle-Wittenberg

Bettina Erzgräber, Rector of Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design was also among the attendees.

Passionately participating in the discussion about the role of science in the manifold transformation processes society is experiencing: Olaf Zenker, Professor at the Institute for Social and Cultural Anthropology, MLU Halle-Wittenberg. On his right: Anita von Poser, also Professor at the Institute for Social and Cultural Anthropology

Karen Leonhardt from the Freiwilligen-Agentur (volunteer agency) of Halle

MPI alumna Tabea Scharrer expresses the need for politicians and planners to work more closely with scientists when developing policies.

Biao Xiang, Managing Director of the MPI for Social Anthropology

Thomas Müller-Bahlke, Director of the Francke Foundations and member of the Board of Trustees of the MPI for Social Anthropology

Yvonne Winkler, Halle city council member

The exchange of ideas continues after the end of the panel: Here city council member Yvonne Winkler in conversation with MPI Director Biao Xiang.

MPG Vice President Christian Doeller in conversation with Emeritus Director Chris Hann

MPI Board of Trustees member Detlef Bortfeldt was also in attendance the 25th anniversary celebration of the MPI for Social Anthropology.

Patrick Jahn (centre), Professor for Health Service Research at Martin Luther University, in conversation with Karen Leonhardt from the Freiwilligen-Agentur Halle and moderator Florian Felix Weyh.

The Institute’s garden was an ideal location to continue discussions sparked by the panel “Does Transformation Need Science?” in a relaxed atmosphere.

MPI Director Ursula Rao in conversation with city council member Katja Müller.

Mayor Egbert Geier took the time to talk with researchers and guests after the conclusion of the panel. Here with the Rector of Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Bettina Erzgräber (left) and MPI Director Ursula Rao (right).

Minister Armin Willingmann also stayed around after the panel to chat and enjoy the atmosphere at the reception. Here in conversation with Max Planck Fellow und law professor Dirk Hanschel.

MPG Vice President Christian Doeller and MPI Director Biao Xiang in the garden of the MPI for Social Anthropology.

Science and politics came together in good cheer on this evening: MPI Director Ursula Rao, Burg Giebichenstein Rector Bettina Erzgräber, and Mayor Egbert Geier.

Deep in conversation: Gunnar Berg, former President of Martin Luther University and former Vice President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, with Senior Professor Andreas Ranft.

A good time was had by all: doctoral researcher Mathias Krabbe alongside Head of Research Group Marek Mikus.