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

Researchers at the University of Graz impress with their AI expertise

A total of 170 entries were submitted to the Austrian Academy of Sciences’ essay competition on the topic of artificial intelligence and science. Both first and second place went to researchers from the University of Graz.

Wie aus Abgasen Rohstoff werden soll

Kohlendioxid gilt als Klimaproblem. Es kann aber auch Rohstoff sein. Der Grazer Chemiker Johann Hlina untersucht, wie sich Kohlenoxide wieder in Kohlenwasserstoffe verwandeln lassen – also in Ausgangsmaterial für Treibstoffe, Kunststoffe und Medikamente. Helfen sollen dabei Seltenerdmetalle

The Arctic up close: ORF special feature on the University of Graz’s research station in S

Students from the University of Graz are spending two weeks conducting research at the Univerisity of Graz research station at the Sermilik Fjord in Greenland, which has been operational for three years. They are measuring glacial runoff, tracking ice melt in real time and installing weather stations. ORF is following the expedition and will be reporting on the special feature ‘Arctic Adventure’ across its various channels from 20 July.

Chemical crash: Researchers at the University of Graz are investigating the reactions in detail for the first time

Matthew Timm and Leonhard Grill have, for the first time, succeeded in unravelling how fundamental chemical processes take place and how new molecules are formed. The findings of this study have just been published in the journal Science.