Research center examining extremism on the right

The University of is to set up a research center to investigate right-wing extremism. The project is sponsored by the state of Baden-Württemberg. "Our goal is to use research to help strengthen social and governmental structures against right-wing extremist ideologies and practices," said the Dean of Economics and Social Sciences, Professor Ansgar Thiel , in on Tuesday. "With this we seek to explore both the emergence and spread of far-right attitudes and practices, and in each case to identify the current potential threats to an open society," he said. In addition, the University is funding an assistant professorship for research into anti-Semitism and group-based hostility. There are also further academic and support-staff positions. The state is sponsoring the research center with a total of 1.2 million euros annually.