The Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at the University of Westminster is hosting a Leverhulme Trust-funded post-doctoral research fellow. Dr Philipp Dapprich, previously based at the University of Potsdam, Germany, is joining Westminster for three years having gained the prestigious Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship.
Dr Dapprich’s research project will explore a political tradition known as Neo-Roman republicanism and how it relates to radical ideas in economics. This tradition, which dates back to the Renaissance when thinkers looked to ancient Roman ideas, sees freedom as not just being undisturbed, but as being protected from having others hold too much power over you. It also highlights the importance of active citizens and governments that prevent power from becoming too concentrated. This topic has recently been the subject of revived interest in political philosophy through the work of scholars such as Philipp Petitt and Quentin Skinner.
Dr Dapprich will be mentored for his research project by Dr Dan Greenwood, Reader in Political Economy and Public Policy. The research will explore key themes such as freedom, the role of governments and markets and how workplaces could be more democratic toward their employees.
The Leverhulme Trust is an independent UK-based charity that funds ambitious and high-quality research across disciplines, with a focus on original, high-risk projects that generate new ideas and societal benefit. Active for nearly a century, the Trust supports scholars in the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences through research grants, fellowships and international collaboration.
The Early Career Fellowship provides a valuable opportunity for researchers to develop independent research ambitions by allowing them to pursue ambitious and original projects with significant creative freedom. Focused on promoting the next generation of scholars, the scheme supports individuals across all academic disciplines, allowing them to deepen their expertise and broaden their professional networks as they establish themselves in academia.
About the Fellowship, Dr Dapprich said: “I am excited to be awarded the Leverhulme Trust’s Early Career Fellowship for my research on Neo-Roman republicanism. The republican tradition has brought about crucial institutions such as the separation of powers and the rule of law, which are now being questioned and tested worldwide. I hope that my research will point towards an alternative path forward, in which the freedom promoted by these institutions is expanded to protect workers from arbitrary mistreatment and domination.”
Dr Greenwood added: “Philipp’s funding Award was highly deserved, and I look forward to working with him and to him joining our research centre at the University.”
Dr Dapprich’s work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University.
