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The Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality" at the University of Konstanz presents the In_equality Research Award 2026 to sociologist Steffen Mau in recognition of his exceptional research achievements and their social relevance. 

The Hertie School will host a symposium in honor of sociologist and political scientist Claus Offe, highlighting his contributions to democracy, social justice, and social change. Among the participants is Steffen Mau, who will discuss the relevance of Offe’s ideas with international guests.

In conversation with Lukas Bärfuss, Steffen Mau discusses borders as a defining feature of modern societies and their impact on participation and inequality. Together, they explore the challenges this poses for the future of democracy.

The Department of Political Institutions & Conflict will hold its inaugural meeting from 8–10 April 2026, bringing together scholars to discuss research on political violence, democratization, & inequality. Participants will discuss the challenges shaping political institutions & conflict across societies.

Steven Vertovec has launched Futures of Difference, an initiative exploring the processes, discourses, and possible trajectories of key social categories worldwide through essays, podcasts, and short films by leading scholars. New content is published weekly on Substack, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

A workshop on the political economy of conflict, organized by Ursula Daxecker, will take place on 22 April at the University of Amsterdam, bringing together scholars to discuss current research on conflict, governance, and economic dynamics.

On Thursday, 23 April, in an evening event at the Palais Lobkowicz in Prague, Steffen Mau will present his book “Ungleich vereint”, that was recently published in Czech as Nerovně sjednoceni: Proč zůstává východ Německa jiný. The event includes a lecture and discussion on social inequalities in post-socialist societies.