Michael Nitschmann is a doctoral researcher in the Innovation Network ‘Governing Transformative Technologies’ funded by the Excellence Strategy of the Federal Government and the Länder. The project aims to understand the ambivalence of positive and negative sociotechnical impacts of transformative technologies in order to democratically shape innovation in pursuit of society.
After completing his B. Sc. In aerospace engineering, Michael changed his study program and did his M. A. in Science and Technology Studies (STS) at the STS Department of the Technical University of Munich. His master’s thesis focused on STS-engagements and roles in sociotechnical transformation.
His PhD project entitled 'Remaking the public? The case of TransTech in the energy transition' focuses on understanding controversies and conflicts around transformative technologies in the energy transition and how energy futures are negotiated. This includes analyzing the role of experts and expertise as well as the public in the debate. Furthermore, Michael wants to understand the mechanisms of conflict and their democratic potential.
- Science and Technology Studies (STS)
- Energy Futures
- Conflicts and controversies in the energy transition and their democratic potentials
- Governance of the energy transition
Winter semester 2023/24:
- Immersion Project
Sommer semester 2024:
- STS Core Topic: The Age of Engagement: Critical Reflection on Democratizing Science and Technology
- MINT Orientierungssemester: Technik, Nachhaltigkeit und Gesellschaft
Current course offerings:
Beck, S. & Nitschmann, M. (2023). Mapping the possibilities for STS to actively engage in democratic and sustainable climate futures. STS-Austria conference 2023
Rentrop, C. & Nitschmann, M. (2023). Circulating Expertise for Regional Innovation. STS-hub.de 2023
Beck, S. & Nitschmann, M. (2022). Tunnel vision of transformation: On the co-production of sustainability transformation and social contracts (translated). GWTF Jahrestagung 2022