It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed former Executive Director, Prof. Dr. Uwe Andersen, who died on 23rd August 2026 at the age of 86 in his beloved hometown of Husum on Germany’s North Sea coast.

Prof. Andersen’s academic career was defined by intellectual curiosity and a dedication to understanding global challenges through direct engagement. After completing his schooling, he began his professional life with an apprenticeship as a bank clerk, before furthering his education through evening school. He then studied political science and economics at the Freie Universität Berlin, graduating in political science in 1967. His academic journey took him to Yale University in New Haven for research during the 1967/68 academic year. He continued his studies as a doctoral student at the Universität Münster from 1970 to 1974, later serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. In 1979, he joined the Faculty of Social Science at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), where he held the Chair of Political Science until his retirement in 2005.

Prof. Andersen’s connection to our institute began in 2014 when he served as an Interim Executive Director and guided the IFHV through a transitional phase. Subsequently, he served as Deputy Director until 2019. Known for his sharp intellect and warm personality, Prof. Andersen had a unique ability to connect with colleagues and students alike. His dedication to fieldwork took him to diverse regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia, where his first-hand insights enriched both research and teaching. As a mentor, he guided a generation of young researchers, many of whom completed their doctoral theses under his supervision. His scholarly work focused on political systems, democratization processes, and policymaking at various levels, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Prof. Andersen was not only a prolific researcher and highly respected academic but also a masterful navigator of complex higher education systems. We will remember him for his willingness to break new ground, his unwavering support, and his open, encouraging manner, all seasoned with a distinctive wit.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Prof. Andersen’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will continue to inspire us in our mission.

On behalf of the IFHV’s Board, Staff, and Students