ZeM
What is the ZeM?
The Brandenburg Center for Media Studies (ZeM), which was officially founded in 2016, is a networking, research and funding center for the field of media studies and related fields/disciplines in the state of Brandenburg, Germany.
ZeM office at Hermann-Elflein-Strasse in Potsdam
The ZeM supports media science research, interdisciplinary networking and external scientific transfer. In this way, the ZeM contributes to the further profiling of the state of Brandenburg as a media and science location. A unique feature of the ZeM is the strategic partnership between three different types of higher education institutions. In media studies research, the ZeM actively promotes exchange and cooperation between universities, universities of applied sciences and art colleges.
The ZeM currently has around 100 members. The work of the ZeM as well as its content orientation are led by a five-member board of directors, coordinated by the employees of the ZeM office and controlled by a board of trustees, consisting of representatives of the participating universities – the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF as well as the University of Potsdam –, and the Brandenburg Ministry for Science, Research and Culture.
ZeM members can apply for various forms of support such as scientific events, public events, or scientific publications. A ZeM membership is open to everyone associated with one of the participating Brandenburg universities. We look forward to receiving your membership application (PDF).
The three main tasks – research funding, intra-academic networking and making scientific research visible – are pursued by the ZeM at different levels and using different instruments:
- For the purpose of intra-academic exchange, a wide variety of event formats are funded financially and organizationally: workshops, lectures / lecture series, lecture series, colloquia, symposia and conferences. These events can take place on the premises of the ZeM as well as at the participating universities or at other science-related institutions.
- To promote academic knowledge production, the ZeM awards scholarships to doctoral and post-doctoral students as well as visiting scholars at irregular intervals. The creation of scientific publications was and is primarily supported by a series of publications published by the Board of Directors and by grants for printing costs.
- In the area of knowledge transfer, for example, the ZeM is involved in the Potsdam film festival moving history and it regularly sponsors film screenings as well as lectures and discussions aimed at a wider public. The ZeM informs its members and interested parties about the various activities in a newsletter.
- To promote and network research in the field of media studies, the ZeM supports the preparation of joint research projects.
As a media studies institution, we are committed to the goals and principles for good working conditions in media studies (as defined by the GfM). We advocate stable employment foundations at all career levels and take measures to create a family-friendly and non-discriminatory work environment. We are committed to promoting participation in decision-making for all employees.