'Passau University Perspectives' on the Corona crisis

How is the Corona pandemic changing us? Researchers from various different faculties have been concentrating on the impacts of the crisis. Here is an overview of all the contributions to the Passau University Perspectives.

19.05.2020|

The Corona pandemic is changing the lives of all of us – in previously unknown ways. The flood of statistics surrounding the Corona virus, the measures taken to contain it, the technical tracking of contacts by app, restrictions of freedom, corporate and economic crises, problems of availability, social isolation and medical ethics have all been throwing up questions that occupy us as researchers just as much as they do you as citizens. So particularly at times like these, we actively seek to exchange information and views with you. In the weeks ahead, send us your questions on the topics we are researching.

contributions to the debate

From contaminated debates via data protection to rights of freedom: in these contributions, our researchers and external guests take a stance on current developments.

How did the Spanish flu influence voting behaviour in the Weimar Republic? In our study, we use historical data to show that it was not the extreme parties that benefited. By economists from Passau, Berlin, Cologne and Rome

Within the “ReiseZukunft” (travel future) project, the CENTOURIS Institute at the University of Passau conducted a survey in May about the changes in the travel behaviour of Germans. The first results are now available.

“Germany has taken a hit economically,” says the Passau economist Professor Carolin Häussler. The coronavirus crisis has revealed weaknesses and shown companies where to begin to become more crisis-resistant.

Contributions of the Research Training Group Privacy

An analysis of two series of programmes on German television, by cultural scientists Associate Professor Dennis Gräf and Dr. Martin Hennig has given rise to a debate on the responsibilities and self-perception of journalists in times of crisis.

virtual citizens' university

On the German version of this website we will be presenting a researcher to you together with his or her topic. In the days that follow, you can send us your questions on the topic: frag-die-wissenschaft@uni-passau.de. Shortly after that, we will publish the researcher's replies.

An overview of the topics planned

How can the economy emerge (well) from the crisis?
Professor Robert Obermaier (University of Passau, Chair of Accounting and Control)

Is the Corona crisis hitting women harder than men?
Professor Andrea Sieber (Women's representative, University of Passau, Professorship of Medieval German Literature)

Do we need to rethink education?
Professor Christian Thies (University of Passau, Professorship of Philosophy)

What influence does culture have on the way we deal with the Corona crisis?
Professor Christoph Barmeyer (University of Passau, Chair of Intercultural Communication)

How is the virus changing society?
Professor Anna Henkel (University of Passau, Chair of Sociology of Technology and Sustainable Development)

Second-class citizens – who gets treated, and who doesn't?
Professor Peter Fonk (University of Passau, Chair of Theological Ethics)

Link tips

Mastering the challenge of on-line tuition: the team from the transfer forum for didactic technology provides ideas and tips and forums for an exchange of opinions and ideas, for example a cyber-café.
FAQs for people associated with the university – Are the university buildings open? Will examinations be taking place at all in the summer semester? What if I think I've been infected? We'll be collecting all the questions and answers on the subject of the Corona virus for students and employees.

Researchers involved in the project

Professor Christoph Barmeyer

researches intercultural organisations and skills

How can intercultural negotiation and development processes lead to cultural synergies?

Professor Christoph Barmeyer has been holder of the Chair of Intercultural Communication at the University of Passau since 2008. The emphasis in his research is on management in cultural comparison, intercultural communication and the development of intercultural skills.

Professor Peter Fonk

researches theological ethics, medical and corporate ethics

What ethical principles do the managers of tomorrow need?

Professor Peter Fonk has been holder of the Chair of Theological Ethics at the University of Passau since 1994/95. He is director of the masters study programme Science of Charity and Value-Oriented Management and of the Institute of Applied Ethics in Economy, Education and Training. The emphasis in his research is on Christian social ethics, economic and corporate ethics.

Professor Anna Henkel

researches materiality, sustainability and digitalisation

How are relationships of responsibility changing in modern society?

Professor Anna Henkel has been holder of the Chair of Sociology of Technology and Sustainable Development at the University of Passau since 2019. The emphasis in her research is on sociological theory, research into knowledge, materiality and sustainability and research in the field of digitalisation. Since August 2021, Henkel has been a substitute member of the "Committee for Health and Safety at Work" of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Professor Moritz Hennemann

researches developments in data law

Which regulatory models for digital interaction should we be following in the 21st century?

Professor Moritz Hennemann has held the Chair of European and International Information and Data Law and headed the Research Centre for Law and Digitalisation (FREDI) of the Faculty of Law at the University of Passau since 2020. His research revolves around the global development of data and data protection law as well as the legal and regulatory framework of the digital economy.

Professor Sebastian Martens, M.Jur. (Oxon.)

researches civil law and European private law and law history

How can the law contribute to a fair distribution of burdens in times of crisis?

Professor Sebastian Martens, M.Jur. (Oxon.) has been holder of the Chair of Civil Law, Roman Law, European Private Law and European Legal History at the University of Passau since 2015.

Professor Bettina Noltenius

researches criminal law and philosophy of law

Under what conditions should the state be allowed to restrict citizens' rights to freedom with the aid of coercive measures?

Professor Bettina Noltenius is holder of the Chair of Criminal Law, Criminal Proceedings Law, Criminology and Philosophy of Law at the University of Passau. The emphasis in her research is on German and European (criminal) law, philosophy of law and German criminal law in modern times.

Professor Robert Obermaier

researches controlling, enterprise assessment and Industry 4.0

How can enterprises be steered through a crisis?

Professor Robert Obermaier is vice-president of research at the University of Passau and holder of the Chair of Accounting and Control. His work is concentrated on the areas of controlling, enterprise assessment, production and decision theory.

Professor Andrea Sieber

researches medieval literature and media history

What image of the Middle Ages do the modern media give us?

Professor Andrea Sieber has been holder of the Professorship of Medieval German Literature at the University of Passau since 2016. The emphasis in her research is on the history of literature and media and the reception of the Middle Ages. Since September 2019 she has been a board member at the Association of German Philologists (DGV).

Professor Christian Thies

researches practical philosophy

What can classical philosophy contribute to the digital society?

Professor Christian Thies has been holder of the Teaching Professorship of Philosophy at the University of Passau since 2009. The emphasis in his research is on practical philosophy and, seen historically, in particular classical German philosophy.