The social implications of providing high-speed internet access to poorer rural communities are not yet well understood. A research project led by Simon Lüchinger, Professor of Economics, seeks to explore the effects of an Indian government initiative that aims to bring broadband internet to every village. The study's goal is to determine whether internet access has a positive or negative influence on political misconduct, re-election outcomes, and the overall state of local and regional democracy. Additionally, it examines how increased internet penetration affects inter-religious cooperation between Hindus and Muslims, with a specific focus on practices like neighbourly water sharing. More information

The new project, led by Esther Vorburger-Bossart, is examining the different ecclesiastical status of women and men, the internal and external structure of networks, and the dwindling membership of the convents. The period under investigation, 1960–1980, was not only characterised by social change, but also by a decisive event in church history: the Second Vatican Council. The project examines the evolving legal and relational structures between the Benedictine Abbey of Einsiedeln and the Convent of Fahr, as well as the actors who helped shape the monastic structural change. The project builds on a series of SNSF-funded studies on gender and church history at the Chair of Church History, formerly headed by Markus Ries. More information

The researchers secured a total of approximately CHF 886,000. SNSF project funding supports staff salaries, research expenses, and resources for scientific collaboration, networking and communication. The project leaders receive their salaries from the university.

Overview of all current research projects