Hi,

I'm Maximilian, 29, living in Berlin, and I love thinking about anthropology – not just in research, but also in encounters, media, and creative formats. I studied ethnography at Humboldt University in Berlin, as well as Social and Cultural Anthropology and Political Science at Freie Universität Berlin. I'm particularly interested in urban anthropology, science communication, and public anthropology – that is, how ethnographic knowledge can make an impact beyond academic contexts.

On this website, I share my research projects, ideas, and thoughts on topics like raccoons in Berlin, a speculative research tool called Snoopy 1.0, and the infrastructures of aging on the Costa Blanca. Feel free to explore and get in touch if you'd like to exchange ideas!

From Theory to practice and back

My research focuses on urban infrastructures, affects, spaces, and the senses. I explore how these elements are interconnected in cities – for instance, in projects about raccoons, aging, or virtual spaces.In my work, I continuously move between theory and practice – a central principle in anthropology. During my studies at Humboldt University and Freie Universität Berlin, I deepened theoretical concepts and also developed my own projects to practically test my academic interests. These works often emerged from personal motivation and offer new perspectives on urban phenomena, multispecies interactions, and the future of infrastructures.In the future, I plan to direct my research more towards performance and queerness, to further explore the social and cultural dimensions of urban spaces and identities.In addition to content-related research, I’m particularly fascinated by how scientific findings can be communicated clearly and engagingly. This interest has led me to develop a focus on science communication and public anthropology.

Podcasting

In various projects, I’ve explored how complex topics can be communicated in an understandable, engaging, and critically reflective way. Here are three podcasts I’ve contributed to:

Apropos Anthropo

Together with friends, I created this podcast to explore the diverse aspects of social and cultural anthropology. In the episodes we've released so far, we discuss topics such as the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on social life and the challenges of student life.

More than a Feeling -
Emotions and Society

This science podcast from the Collaborative Research Center "Affective Societies" at Freie Universität Berlin explores the diverse roles of emotions in social life. I contributed to the first two seasons in the areas of direction, editing, and public relations.

Affect and Colonialism Podcast

This podcast from the Affect and Colonialism Web Lab explores the role of affects in the context of colonialism. In 14 episodes, we examine various perspectives on the entanglements of emotions and colonial structures.

Work Experience

At the Affect and Colonialism Weblab, a platform that brings together researchers, journalists, activists, and artists worldwide to explore the affective dynamics of colonialism, I supported various projects focusing on media (post-)production, publications, as well as communication and support for international guests. The Web Lab serves as a space for discussions about the affective aspects of colonialism and encourages creative forms of collaboration.

In 2024, I supported the Collaborative Research Centre Intervening Arts and the C02 project in the areas of science communication and organization. The SFB explores the connection between art, science, and public discourse, with a focus on the political involvement of artistic practices. My contributions included transcribing interviews, communicating scientific content through the video hosting platform Vimeo, and coordinating the team via Trello.

At the Collaborative Research Centre Affective Societies at the Free University of Berlin, I worked as a student assistant in administration and public relations from 2018 to 2022. The SFB explores the role of affect and emotion in social processes and societal contexts. During my time there, I not only gained valuable experience in interdisciplinary communication but also learned about the organization and operations within a research network.

Weblinks

Here you will find a selection of projects I have been involved in, as well as additional resources that reflect my research interests and activities.

  • Zine: "Ageing Cities - What we learned from Architecture", November 2023, Zine (EN)

  • Studienprojekt: Snoopy 1.0, Speculative Research Device, Februar 2023 , Zine (DE)

  • Website: Raccoon City Berlin, Multimodale Website, August 2022, Website (EN & DE)

  • Organisation: "Wahrheit(en). Lebenswelten. Realitäten. - Seeing like an Anthropologist." 17. Ethnosymposium in Berlin, September 2022, Website (DE)

  • Studienprojekt: "Ageing Cities", September 2021 - Juli 2022, Presentation (EN)

  • Workshop: "Why Net Work Together? Gemeinsamer Reflektions- und Aktionsraum für studentische Vernetzungstrukturen", GrenzenÜberBrücken - Ethnosymposium, Juni 2021, Program (DE)

  • Blogbeitrag: Affektiver Spaziergang durch den Görlitzer Park, Blog Affective Societies, Januar 2021, Article (DE)

  • Vortrag: Affective spaces in cities - Taking the Example of the Görlitzer Park in Berlin, Far away from Home - International Webinar, Mai 2020, Video (EN)

  • Roundtable: Conveying Anthropology, Vienna Anthropology Days, September 2020, Video (EN)

Last Update

    Waschbärlin - February 2024

    In recent years, encounters between raccoons and humans in Berlin have increased. Reactions to these encounters vary widely. While some consider the raccoons a nuisance that must be controlled, others simply find them cute and want to feed them. The Berlin Senate Department for Environment, Mobility, Consumer Protection, and Climate Change has also taken notice of the rising number of raccoons in the city, launching a pilot project: the “Raccoon On-Site Advisory.” This service aims to address challenges in human-animal interactions and provide guidance to citizens on how to deal with the little creatures.What do these human-animal encounters mean for urban coexistence? Can we think about the city from the raccoon’s perspective? We want to take an anthropological look at the various issues and narratives that construct the raccoon and its new habitat in Berlin. We aim to understand the city as a place shaped and influenced by different species. Through multimodal storytelling, we hope to make the complexity of multispecies anthropology more accessible to a broader audience.

    Zine: Ageing Cities - November 2023

    How are cities responding to demographic change? And how are urban spaces organised for older generations?As part of the ethnographic study project Ageing Cities (M.A. Ethnography, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 2021-2022), we investigated intergenerational design challenges known as Late Life Urbanism. A research trip took us to the Costa Blanca, where we explored the role of older populations in urban transformation processes.We summarised our findings in a zine, which is available on the Humboldt University Urban Lab website.

    Snoopy 1.0 - February 2023

    Snoopy 2.0 is an experimental research tool we developed during the winter semester of 2022/2023 as part of a study project. It invites participants to play a game of "telephone" with us—focusing on concepts of cooperation. By switching between drawings and texts, we aim to uncover misunderstandings and reflect on them afterward.Inspired by games and academic texts, we designed Snoopy 2.0 as a communicative tool that lowers inhibitions and allows space for diverse interpretations. It was first used in the workshop Überflüsse der Zusammenarbeit.How it works:
    A question appears in Snoopy 2.0’s display window. The first participant responds with either a drawing or a text. Then, the crank is turned until the next contribution becomes visible. Each round consists of 4–5 entries. Afterward, the completed sheet is removed and discussed before a new round starts with a fresh concept.

    DIY Infrastructures at Arnswalder Platz - November 2022

    On my walks through Arnswalder Platz, I often take this place for granted. The park is simply there—a part of the urban landscape I pass through on my way to run errands. But one day, I noticed an unusual, DIY waste disposal system: decorated bins labeled “Please empty me and put me back.” This caught my attention and made me reflect on how some people actively reshape their environment through what I now understand as DIY infrastructures.These initiatives reflect three modes of engagement:

    • Doing with: Projects like community gardens or informal recycling initiatives collaborate with city infrastructures, filling gaps left by underfunded public services.

    • Doing against: Initiatives such as squatted housing or activist-led repairs of neglected spaces challenge official structures, highlighting failures in urban planning.

    • Doing instead: Examples like grassroots internet networks or informal sharing economies bypass city administration entirely, offering alternative ways of living in the city.

    For me, these initiatives reveal a dynamic urban environment shaped from the ground up. They expose hidden issues and offer creative, hands-on solutions, while also raising questions about sustainability, exclusion, and privatization. DIY infrastructures have changed the way I see the city—as a contested, participatory space where official and unofficial systems are constantly intertwined.

    Affektiv stroll through Görliter Park - January 2021

    The Görlitzer Park has often been the focus of media coverage, frequently making headlines as a drug hotspot or a crime-ridden area. In my contribution to the Affective Societies blog, I want to take a more nuanced approach.In this post, I reflect on my experiences and observations in Görli, exploring its diverse interactions through the concept of affective space. Drawing on the ideas of affective arrangements and relational spaces (Martina Löw), I examine how the park generates emotions, conflicts, and enrichment for those engaging with it—extending beyond its physical boundaries.Historically, this place has always been shaped by a unique atmosphere. Görli is not just a green space but a vibrant and complex urban setting. In short, it stands as a symbol of both the challenges and opportunities of city life.

    Ethnosymposium 2022 in Berlin - September 2022

    From September 16 to 18, 2022, the 17th Ethnosymposium took place in Berlin. Under the theme "Wahrheiten, Lebenswelten, and Realitäten – Seeing like an Anthropologist," more than 60 students of social and cultural anthropology, as well as ethnology, came together. The symposium provided an open and creative space for presenting research, engaging in discussions, and exploring experimental workshop formats.Beyond the academic program, the event fostered connections among students from German-speaking countries and beyond. A particular highlight was Maren Wirth’s lecture, "The Temporality of Colonial Violence in Maasai Objects and Photographs," in which she examined the possibilities of a comprehensive critique of colonialism through specific examples from the Africa collection of the Ethnological Museum in Berlin.I was jointly responsible for organizing, financing, and moderating the Ethnosymposium. My main focus was to create a platform where students could not only present their work but also engage in discussions, network, and develop new ideas in a dynamic and creative setting.

    AG Student Representation of the DGSKA - September 2023

    Together with fellow students, I initiated the proposal to establish the Student Representation Working Group (AG Studierendenvertretung) within the German Association of Social and Cultural Anthropology (DGSKA). The goal of this working group is to strengthen student networks on a national level and advocate for their interests within the DGSKA.Activities and Goals of the Working Group:

    • Networking and Exchange: Organizing regular meetings and events, such as the general assembly of all students, to discuss current topics and foster exchange.

    • Web Presence: Actively managing and developing the website to keep students informed about news, events, and opportunities for involvement.

    • Student Representation: Participating in DGSKA events and decision-making processes to ensure that student perspectives and needs are heard and considered.

    Through these initiatives, we aim to create a platform that fosters exchange, increases student visibility, and supports their active participation in the academic community. More information about the working group and opportunities to get involved can be found on our website.