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Mourning for Franz Nuscheler: visionary of development research dies
Prof. Nuscheler, founding director of INEF at the UNI Duisburg-Essen, died on July 31, 2025. His legacy shapes development research.
Mourning for Franz Nuscheler: visionary of development research dies
On July 31, 2025, Prof. em. Dr. Franz Nuscheler died at the age of 87. He was a prominent figure in development research and policy in Germany, as founding director of the Institute for Development and Peace (INEF) at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Nuscheler's academic career spanned several decades, during which he researched and taught at various renowned institutions. After studying political science, history and public law in Heidelberg, he received his doctorate in 1967 and then worked at the University of Hamburg.
In 1974 he became professor of comparative and international politics at the Gerhard Mercator University in Duisburg and held this position until his retirement in 2003. In 1990 he founded the INEF, which is now considered a unique research institute in Germany that operates at the interface of development and peace. Nuscheler was director of the INEF until May 2006 and thus had a significant influence on the research agenda.
Impact on development research
His academic publications, including the "Handbook of the Third World" and the "Learning and Workbook Development Policy", demonstrate Nuscheler's ability to combine scientific depth with political relevance. These works are still standard literature in the field of development research today. In addition, Nuscheler was involved in various scientific advisory boards, including for the federal government. In 2001 he was awarded the Order of Merit of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The INEF was founded in cooperation with the Development and Peace Foundation and has since established itself as a central contact point for research into global governance and human security. Current research areas include violent conflict and peace strategies as well as development and human rights. Under the leadership of Tobias Debiel, who succeeded Nuscheler as director in May 2006, INEF's research work is being continued continuously.
Educational offerings and study programs
The institute has also established a master's degree program in “International Relations and Development Policy” in collaboration with the Institute for Political Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen. These academic offerings are part of an extensive network of over 120 bachelor's and master's degree programs in Germany that deal with international relations and peace and conflict research. Such programs can be found at various universities, such as the University of Hamburg with its international master’s program “Peace and Security Studies”.
The comprehensive portfolio of peace and conflict research in Germany also includes programs at the Philipps University of Marburg, which was considered the first university with such a course. Here, students work on conflict issues in an interdisciplinary and practical manner, supported by experts from the Foreign Office, NGOs and other relevant institutions. Students also have the opportunity to gain international experience through various joint degree programs, such as the joint degree program in Peace and Conflict Studies with the University of Kent in Canterbury.
The Duisburg-Essen University of Applied Sciences, which continues Nuscheler's legacy, honors his memory and his contribution to development research is valued across generations.