History of the foundation of the GMZ
In 2013, the GMZ was established at the University of Graz, initially as a pilot project under the then Vice Rector for Studies and Teaching Martin Polaschek and the then Vice Rector for Research and Promotion of Young Academics Peter Scherrer.
The development work preceding the GMZ was carried out by a development team (Mag. Dr. Otto Bodi-Fernandez, Dr. Anja Eder, MA, Mag. Dr. Karina Fernandez, MMag. Dr. Andrea Ploder, MA) in cooperation with the three main research areas "Learning - Education - Knowledge", "Heterogeneity and Cohesion", "Cultural and Interpretive History of Europe", the Center for Social Research as well as a group of students of Business Education.
In 2017, the GMZ was integrated into the Department of Teaching and Student Services.
Qualitative Research Network
The GMZ has always been in close contact with the Qualitative Research Network Graz (2010-2022) and has been involved in the coordination of the research roundtables since 2017.
The Qualitative Research Network was a local interdisciplinary platform founded by cultural anthropologist Johanna Stadlbauer and sociologist Andrea Ploder. Students, lecturers and researchers from all disciplines and qualification levels exchanged ideas on qualitative research methods and their application on a peer-to-peer basis.
Activities of the network:
- Research roundtables: discussion of research concepts and designs and exchange on problems in research practice. From November 2015 to June 2019, the roundtable was also offered at the University of Klagenfurt.
- Support in the organization of interpretation sessions, reading circles, joint field trips, etc.
- Exchange on ways of teaching qualitative methods in teaching
- Announcement of workshops and conferences on qualitative methods via mailing list and website