Franz Xaver Kaufmann Prize
In 2019, the Faculty of Sociology at Bielefeld University will be awarding the Franz Xaver Kaufmann Prize for young researchers, endowed with 10,000 euros, for the first time. The prize recognises and honours early-career researchers in the subjects represented at the Faculty of Sociology.
The prize is awarded to researchers in the subjects represented at the Faculty of Sociology who have published a second "internationally visible" scientific work within five years of completing their doctorate/Phd studies or have made comparable scientific achievements in German or English and who can already be expected to make significant internationally visible scientific contributions in the aforementioned subjects in the future.
All relevant professors have the right to nominate candidates. Self-applications are not possible. Staff, people who already hold a permanent professorship cannot be nominated.
Current prizewinner
Dr Tom Kaden was awarded the Franz Xaver Kaufmann Prize on 16 April 2024. Bielefeld University honoured him for his outstanding research and international publications in the field of sociology.
Kaden has distinguished himself through his work on the interactions between science and religion, fundamentalism and digital propaganda. His doctoral thesis on the sociological analysis of creationism won several awards. After completing his doctorate/Phd studies, he conducted research internationally, including in Toronto and Birmingham, combining classic sociological approaches with innovative methods.
His current habilitation project analyses digital propaganda and authoritarian power influences, particularly through Russian internet campaigns. Using a combination of quantitative and hermeneutic methods, Kaden is creating new insights into political influence in the digital age.
With his excellent research, interdisciplinary approach and remarkable publication output, he is setting new standards in sociology. Congratulations on being awarded the Franz Xaver Kaufmann Prize!
News
About the namesake
Prof. em. Dr Dr h.c. mult. Franz-Xaver Kaufmann (1932-2024) was a founding member of the Faculty of Sociology, a member for five decades and an honorary senator of Bielefeld University. With his work in the fields of family and religious sociology and, in particular, in the sociological analysis of social policy, he made a significant contribution to the reputation of the Faculty of Sociology. He also left a lasting mark through his non-academic work.
Franz-Xaver Kaufmann always attached great importance to the promotion of young researchers. In his honour, the Faculty of Sociology awards the Franz Xaver Kaufmann Prize, which is endowed with 10,000 euros. The prize is awarded every two years.
Both Bielefeld University and the Faculty of Sociology are honouring his life's work with an obituary.