ZEF Bonn

spond to those of a university institute. They include, as is impressively documented
by the ZEF projects, a comprehensive program of practical application-oriented research
policy and advice (e.g. river basin management; global register of migrating
species; on bridging divide; on state formation and ethnic conflicts; examples in
Annex B of the full report in German).
ZEF's interdisciplinary program of development-related issues on the basis of solid
disciplinary research, but combining natural and social science disciplines, distinguishes
it from the German and from many international research institutions. In
fact, the linkage between the research fields of Natural Resources and Political
Science and Economics is a pioneering feat in Germany. The Commission was impressed
by how successfully ZEF has been able to implement interdisciplinary teamwork
and methods as well as the especially difficult integrative approach of interdisciplinary
research.
Not only do ZEF's research activities overcome the frontiers between different disciplines,
they also transcend those between science, business, and non-governmental
organisations, as well as the barriers between people from different countries. This is
really new territory not only from an intellectual but also from a political point of
view.
ZEF's comparative advantage lies not only in its interdisciplinary program and the
wide range of its themes, but also in its international character and the use of English
as its working language. On that score, ZEF is unique in Germany. In the face of
the growing importance of English as the language used in science world-wide, ZEF
has a higher profile at an international level and experiences more response to its
activities than scientific facilities with mainly German publications and conferences.
In spite of inherent tensions that may possibly arise from the different perspectives
of the involved disciplines, ZEF's practised conceptual interdisciplinary work does in
fact lead to thematic coherence.
II. Efficiency and Effectiveness of Management and
Organisational Structures
ZEF's organisational structures correspond excellently to the demands of modern,
flexible science management. Here, the mandatory individual freedom of scientists
can be combined with the great development policy challenges of our time, creating
a coherent research program. “Accountability" and consensual decision-making processes
allow a highly flexible management without impairing the quality assurance
process.
The directors' responsibilities in the individual departments and projects and with
regard to their staff are clearly defined; at the same time, the friendly, helpful and
loyal working atmosphere incorporates the staff in decision-making processes. The
Evaluation Commission was given the impression that this kind of science management
has proven to be extremely efficient, as it enhances the commitment and
sense of responsibility of each staff member, without jeopardising the coherence of
the program.
ZEF's reputation in research, teaching and policy dialogue achieved to date proves
that, in fulfilling their tasks in science management, public relations, research and
ZEF Evaluation
"ZEF's organisational structures
correspond excellently to the
demands of modern, flexible
science management. Here, the
mandatory individual freedom
of scientists can be combined
with the great development
policy challenges of our time,
creating a coherent research
program."
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