Welcome, Dr Thiago Pezzuto!

"All over the world, researchers in the early stages of their academic careers are affected by state and non-state interference in academic freedom – especially because they are both financially dependent and at the same time exposed to high publication pressure," says Professor Andreas Goldthau, explaining the background to the new fellowship. Professor Michael Riegner adds: “By supporting these individuals in establishing themselves academically during their postdoctoral phase at the University of Erfurt, we are responding to the growing threat to one of the central principles of open societies. At the same time, we recognise the opportunities that arise for Germany as a centre of science when we offer these colleagues prospects here. In this respect, we look forward to the academic exchange with Dr Thiago Pezzuto.”

Born in Brazil, he comes from the University of Maryland (USA), where Elon Musk's “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has terminated his postdoctoral funding. He intends to use his fellowship at the University of Erfurt over the next six months to establish new funding for his research.