Corresponding media reports were confirmed in the IHS to the APA. The former head of German economics was designated the new scientific director of the institute in the summer. Now he canceled and remains a professor at the Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg.
In an email to journalists, from which the online editions of several newspapers quote, Feld identifies “certain needs for restructuring” at the IHS. The institute must be significantly strengthened, especially in the area of finance, the core area of Feld’s research interests. This would require considerable effort, “not without quarrels and lead to burdens.” In addition, the change in the basic financing by the Austrian National Bank (OeNB) is mentioned.
The fact that the institutes in Austria are more dependent on their sponsors than those in Germany, where an independent society like the Leibniz Association allocates the funds, also played a role. This requires “continuous, greater efforts by the management of the institutes to ensure their independence”, especially with regard to public perception. “All in all,” said Feld, “the move to Vienna would not be without risks.”
The IHS chief position has been vacant since Kocher moved to the government as Minister of Labor around a year ago.
Source: Nachrichten
