![]() | Finn Langbein PhD Student - Univ. of Marburg |
-
03.02.2026-27.03.2026
Simulations of the pandemic. On the recursive relation of COVID 19 simulations and pandemic reality.
The primary objective of my stay is the successful completion of my dissertation. This period will provide me with the opportunity to finalize my analysis and writing in an environment conducive to focused academic work. By the end of my stay, I aim to have incorporated my informal notes and preliminary thoughts into a coherent manuscript, thoroughly integrating my findings into existing debates within the field. Equally important, I will devote time to refining the linguistic precision and stylistic clarity of my work, ensuring that it meets the highest academic standards. This focused period of intellectual engagement will allow me to reflect on my research and bring it to completion.
Additionally, I am eager to expand my professional network. I intend to connect with researchers whose work intersects with mine, fostering interdisciplinary exchanges and cultivating collaborative opportunities. Geneva, with its unique concentration of leading institutions and NGOs in public health, offers an unparalleled environment for such interactions. The proximity of the WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, CARE International, and other global health organizations aligns with my aspiration to deepen my understanding of public health challenges and the strategies deployed to address them through research, policy, and practice. Building relationships with practitioners and experts in this field will not only broaden my perspective but also enrich the practical implications of my work.
Furthermore, I plan to actively participate in the workshops and events hosted by the Brocher Foundation during my stay. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplines and gain insights into emerging debates and methodologies. The interdisciplinary nature of these workshops is particularly appealing, as it promises exposure to topics that extend beyond the thematic scope of my dissertation. This aligns with the broader interdisciplinary orientation of the Collaborative Research Center within which my project has largely been conducted. While these engagements have primarily focused on historical discussions about securitization, the Brocher Foundation workshops promise to address pressing contemporary issues at the intersection of sociology, medicine, ethics, technology, politics, and law. Such exposure aligns with my holistic sociological approach, which emphasizes tackling problems from multiple theoretical and practical perspectives.
A crucial aspect of my personal and professional development during this time will be strengthening my expertise in global public health. I am particularly interested in learning how international organizations like the WHO and different NGOs navigate urgent global challenges, such as pandemics, vaccine distribution, and health equity. This stay will serve as an opportunity to deepen my understanding of how research is translated into actionable policies and interventions. Bridging the gap between academic research and real-world impact is not only a core difficulty that has emerged in my empirical analyses but also a guiding goal of my work. By engaging with international experts and practitioners, I hope to explore how theoretical insights can inform practical solutions, particularly within the complex field of global health governance.
In conclusion, my stay will be dedicated not only to completing my dissertation but also to immersing myself in the broader academic and professional community. Through building relationships, attending events, and engaging with diverse perspectives, I aim to position myself for meaningful contributions to both academia and the public health sector. This is a critical step in shaping my future career as a scholar in the global health field.