The Mattersburger Kreis für Entwicklungspolitik
is an interdisciplinary network of academics, university lecturers, and practitioners engaged in critical development research and development policy. Since 1981, we have provided a platform for exchange in research, teaching and developmental practice across Austria.
The Mattersburger Kreis adresses issues of center and (multiple) peripheries, particularly in the Global South. Global and historical connections and inequalities are examined and made visible through interdisciplinary approaches. Contemporary social, political, and economic crises and transformation processes are analyzed against the background of critical development research. Based on these analyses, positive utopias for a more just and ecologically as well as socially sustainable society are developed.
We operate at the intersections of science, civil society, and politics, and see the connection and networking of these spheres as the core concern of the Mattersburger Kreis.
A brief look back
Back in the late 1970s, at a time when optimistic ideas about development were inspiring a start-up phase in Austrian development cooperation, a group of students and teachers came together to found the Mattersburger Kreis für Entwicklungspolitik (Mattersburg Circle for Development Policy) at Austrian universities in 1981. The name Mattersburger Kreis was chosen after the location of the first meetings; while the second part of the name referred to the aim of having a nationwide impact. The goal was to make it possible to study development research in Austria. These efforts ultimately led to the establishment of the Institute for International Development at the University of Vienna in 2010 – a process in which the Mattersburger Kreis, a network of academics interested in this field, played a central role.
Funding:
The Mattersburger Kreis is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) through International Partnerships Austria.
Membership
Who can become a member?
Anyone with an interest in development research and development policy working in Austria is warmly welcome—regardless of academic background, institutional affiliation, or nationality. The Mattersburger Kreis thrives on the diversity of its members and their shared interest in critical discourse and networking.
How do I become a member?
Becoming a member is straightforward: simply send us an email at office[at]mattersburgerkreis[dot]at and request membership. We welcome new members who want to get involved, network, and work with us on key issues of global development.
“Development Research Network” Mailing List
A central goal of the Mattersburg Circle is to strengthen exchange and collaboration in development research in Austria. As a first step, we are relying on a simple yet effective tool: we have set up a mailing list for development researchers.
Purpose and Use
The mailing list serves as an open platform for information, networking, and cooperation. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as for:
- sharing studies, publications, and event announcements
- searching for collaboration partners
- calls for projects (e.g., EU projects)
- general information and exchange in the field of development research
How can I join?
Interested parties can sign up easily: Simply send an email to office[at]mattersburgerkreis[dot]at requesting to be added to the mailing list and we will add you as soon as possible.
Get involved and spread the word
We cordially invite you to actively use the mailing list for communication and collaboration. At the same time, we would appreciate it if you would recommend this opportunity to other interested researchers.