A History of Knowledge on Mountains and Woods. Transnational academic discourses and transfer practices, Germany and the U.S. (1850-1950)

• Applicant: Dr. Swen Steinberg
• Subject Area: History of Science
• Term: from 2015 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 265412200

Using models of network analysis and basic approaches of the modern history of knowledge the project analyses the emergence as well as the social and transnational distribution and modification of the forestry and mining sciences. Dominated by the looming consequences of the economic crisis after 1763 in Germany, a process of academic professionalization began. As a result, the modern forestry and the mining science as new scientific disciplines were established. Both disciplines experienced rapid international expansion: Following the "German" paragons, schools and colleges were founded - first in Europe and later in the U.S. - where the "use" of nature as well as sustainability concepts were taught and disseminated. In addition to the scientification and economization however the role of "the nature" and its significance for the society were discussed (divine creation, romantic idealization). This multilayered process of creating and using knowledge associated herewith is intended to be studied at two levels: Firstly, the transfer and modification thereof between the German-speaking countries and North America will be analyzed. The German universities should be examined biographically (students, scientists) and by terms of academic exchange processes. The project will analyze the effect of those individuals and of scientific networks who deliberately transferred "German" ideas about the use of nature and who put them to use. And it will search for the modifications and the retroactive effects. Secondly, the placement of academic nature concepts meant not only the formation of a functional elite. Rather, it is probable that conflicts over professionalization took place between academically qualified and practically active players. Beside the process of creating knowledge the negotiation processes about this knowledge can be described. The exchange processes are analyzed with the help of files and printed sources from academic institutions, as well as through the analysis of appropriate foundations. The results of the study are to be published as a monograph.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. David Sabean