Michael Gebel has been awarded the title of Honorary Professor at Tallinn University

Michael Gebel is a professor of empirical social research methods and the Director of the Institute of Sociology at the University of Bamberg. He is a recognized scholar whose research interests include international comparative life course research, the analysis of longitudinal data, and the study of causal relationships. He is also a member of the European Centre for Sociological Research (ECSR) and, since 2022, a co-editor of the academic journal European Sociological Review. In addition, Professor Gebel has participated in several research projects, including being a co-coordinator of the EU "Horizon 2020" project EXCEPT.

Tallinn University and my dear colleagues have grown increasingly close to my heart. 

In his speech, Professor Gebel emphasized his long-standing collaboration with Tallinn University, which began 20 years ago when he was invited to participate in an international collaborative research project. The project included several professionals from around the world, including the former sociologist of the School of Governance, Law, and Society, Ellu Saar, the professor of comparative sociology Marge Unt, and the professor of work and education sociology Kadri Täht. The collaboration with his colleagues at Tallinn University deepened further through various projects.

Gebel is sincerely grateful for the title, and it means a lot to him because he has been closely associated with Tallinn University for a long time. He also mentioned that becoming an honorary professor does not mark the end of his journey at Tallinn University but is rather a sign of his commitment. He pledged to continue teaching at Tallinn University, advocating for their joint international research, and inspiring students and researchers to embark on a career in research.

Michael Gebel's speech at the opening ceremony of Tallinn University

"Dear Rector, dear Members of Tallinn University, Students, and Guests,

I am extremely grateful to receive this great honour. It is particularly meaningful to me that I am receiving it from Tallinn University, with which I have had strong ties for many years.

It all started 20 years ago. Shortly after the EU's Eastern Enlargement, my later PhD supervisor, Irena Kogan, invited me to participate in her unique international collaborative research project, which focused on education systems and labour markets in Central and Eastern Europe and which united experts from 10 Central and Eastern European countries. This marked the beginning of my collaboration with my dear colleagues at Tallinn University, such as Ellu Saar, Marge Unt, and Kadri Täht. We have shared a joint interest in comparative life course research, especially the mission to extend academic boundaries to the East by including countries such as Estonia in research previously focused on Western Europe.

This also inspired me to further push the boundaries of my own research by turning my attention also towards the Caucasus, Central Asia, Northern Africa and the Middle East. My pioneering work involved the systematic collection and analysis of nationally representative longitudinal survey data from countries in these regions. And gaining new understanding of the interrelations of education, work and family in different contexts, particularly for young people.

Over the following years, I returned to Tallinn University repeatedly to teach seminars and attend conferences and deepen our collaboration. Collaboration with many Tallinn colleagues intensified further during the last decade within the framework of large European collaborative projects, which had a strong impact. These include the EXCEPT project on “Social Exclusion of Youth in Europe”, which I co led with Marge Unt. And as a follow-up the YOUNG-In Cost Action, again focused on “Transdisciplinary Solutions to Cross Sectoral Disadvantage in Youth”, which I joined under the leadership of Anu Toots.

Tallinn University and my dear colleagues have grown increasingly close to my heart. Becoming an honorary professor does not mark the end of my collaborative journey with my colleagues and friends at Tallinn University. For example, just in these days, we are submitting a funding application to European Commission for a new European research project on family and work careers, led by Tallinn University.

This expresses my commitment to uphold the values and responsibilities that come with this honour. Being an honorary professor is not only about recognition but also about giving back. I pledge to continue teaching at Tallinn University and advocating our joint international research and inspiring Tallinn University’s students and researchers to pursue their own paths in scholarship and research.

Thank you once again for this incredible honour."