Prof. Dr. Manfred Max Bergman
Professor
Manfred Max Bergman
Philosophisch-Historische Fakultät
Departement Gesellschaftswissenschaften
Professur Bergman

Professor

Rheinsprung 24
4051 Basel
Schweiz

Tel. +41 61 207 28 12
max.bergman@unibas.ch


I am Chair of Social Research and Methodology, Director of the Social Transitions Research Group, and Affiliated Professor of European Global Studies at the University of Basel. Furthermore, I am a Board Member at the University’s Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS), and a Member of the Executive Board of the Swiss Academic Society for Environmental Research and Ecology (saguf). Internationally, I contribute as Senior Advisor at the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) in India, as a Member of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences, and as a contributor to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

Our research focuses on the dynamics of socio-sustainable transitions. Within the framework of the Proof of Transition Concepts (proTract) research program, we investigate real world, often unexpected, examples of successful sustainability transitions. These cases highlight how diverse actors – public, private, and civil society – come together to forge cooperative solutions that yield socially and ecologically positive outcomes. Our aim is not only to understand how transitions happen but also to offer actionable and replicatable insights for fostering them across different contexts.

In addition to this substantive research, I work on methodological development in the social sciences, specifically in advancing qualitative and mixed methods research methods and designs, seeking to expand their analytical capacity and practical application. A key interest lies in exploring the limits and potential of case study research – examining how academic rigor can be maintained while addressing complex, real-world phenomena in depth. I regularly teach research methods workshops in Europe and Asia.

Our current research projects span several regions, with ongoing work in India, Singapore, and Europe. These projects frequently involve cross-sectoral and international collaborations, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and societal relevance. Through scholarly contributions, we aim to support the integration of social transitions, methodological innovation, and societal impact.

For further information and access to my publications, please visit ResearchGate or Google Scholar.

STR - ProTract