How does peace succeed? Maximilian Lakitsch drives research forward

In great demand across the EU: Maximilian Lakitsch is driving forward peace research in the Union. In UNIZEIT, he advocates a return to diplomacy. Photo: University of Graz/Schaffernak

Donald Trump is rattling his proverbial sabre ever louder, unrest in the Middle East is escalating and the war in Ukraine continues to rage. Maximilian Lakitsch knows what political measures could contribute to reconciliation. He is the coordinator of an EU-wide initiative to strengthen peace research.

In view of the war in Ukraine and the threat of possible further expansion plans by Russia, Europe is arming itself for the first time in decades. Voices that speak out against increasing militarisation are described as unworldly and naive. Maximilian Lakitsch considers this trend to be dangerous. In the current issue of UNIZEIT, he argues in favour of a return to diplomacy.

Trump's attack on Venezuela and his threats against Greenland make it clear once again that previous political strategies are no longer sufficient for peaceful coexistence. Research is needed as a basis for sustainable new solutions. The Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research Eva-Maria Holzleitner initiated a kick-off meeting with political and scientific representatives from 16 EU member states in December. In the coming months, they will develop concrete project proposals. Holzleitner appointed Lakitsch as coordinator of this process.

Dagmar Eklaude

Related news

Higher Education Strategy 2040: Austria’s universities on course for the future

Austria has 77 higher education institutions, which is above the EU average – but does this really make sense? The new Higher Education Strategy 2040 focuses on cooperation rather than mergers. As one of the six largest universities in Austria, the University of Graz plays a central role in this.

Climate research in Greenland: Old data provides new insights

The polar explorer and University of Graz professor Alfred Wegener left behind a unique collection of climate data from Greenland. A research team from the University of Graz is now analysing this 100-year-old treasure trove of data and comparing it with current measurements.

Diversity in nature and science: How we talk about plants and each other

Ginkgo, kiwi, hemp: they exist as male and female plants. Anyone who paid attention in biology class will confirm this. But is this categorisation, established by Carl von Linné almost 300 years ago, still valid today? An interdisciplinary team at the University of Graz is questioning these attributions and using this as a starting point to provide food for thought for gender-sensitive interaction between students, scientific and teaching staff.

Around the world in eight stops: the Long Night of Research at the University of Graz

On 24 April from 5 pm, you can take a short trip around the globe at the University of Graz, discovering pecularities of foreign countries or new local features in the entrance hall of the University Library. The itinerary takes you through introduced animal species, political attitudes and the omnipotence of algorithms. There will also be a programme in the historic reading hall, as well as at the UniGraz@Museum and the University Archive.