Student research project
Who decides the time?
Politics and policy of daylight saving time and seasonal clock changes.
The question
How do governments decide what time people live by? Debates about daylight saving time bring scientific arguments into contact with economic interests, public preferences and institutional constraints.
The project
Examine the politics of seasonal clock changes through a focused policy study. Trace how evidence and competing values enter decision-making in a defined jurisdiction or comparison, distinguishing policy proposals from decisions that have actually taken effect.
What you will do
- Identify relevant policy documents, public consultations and institutional actors.
- Develop a transparent document analysis or comparative case-study approach.
- Analyse how arguments, interests and responsibilities shape the policy process.
Possible scope
A thesis could investigate one policy process in depth or compare carefully selected cases. A shorter placement could map documents and actors. Political science, public policy or documentary research experience would fit well.
How to apply
Attendance in person is required. Send a short motivation, CV, relevant skills, preferred project, dates, format, location and any external funding plans to Prof. Manuel Spitschan at an address below.
Location, timing and scope are agreed with the supervisor; availability depends on capacity and the work involved.