SWR Interview on Research Excellence and Global Impact

Professor Ratkovic and Dr. Abdul Rahman were featured in a television segment for SWR Aktuell, a state-wide TV news magazine, highlighting their work at the University of Mannheim and the broader role of cutting-edge social science research in addressing global challenges. In the interview, Dr. Abdul Rahman reflects on the impact of academic freedom on her work and personal well-being, emphasizing how supportive research environments are essential for pursuing ambitious and socially relevant projects. The segment also introduces her project to develop an innovative tool to combat child trafficking in India (TRAPP).

Professor Ratkovic and Dr. Abdul Rahman also discuss the conditions that enable such research. Dr. Abdul Rahman, who joined Mannheim from Harvard University earlier this year, shares her perspective on the importance of stability and safety in academia. Professor Ratkovic highlights that these factors, combined with strong institutional support, position Mannheim and the state of Baden-Württemberg as competitive players among leading global universities in the social sciences, despite this often being underrecognized by the wider public. The interview further showcases how both researchers are currently building a joint lab focused on developing innovative solutions such as the anti-trafficking tool (GRTL).

Watch the full interview segment in the SWR Mediathek.