Economist Hans Christoph Binswanger (1929–2018) was a Professor of Economics at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) from 1969 to 1994 and is regarded as one of the most important unorthodox economists of the 20th century in the German-speaking world. Binswanger's work was deeply influenced by the vision of HSG—to promote integrative thinking and acting in economics and in society. His research focused on environmental and resource economics, monetary theory, the history of economic thought, the role of agriculture in the modern economy, and European integration. His main interest was the relationship between economics and ecology and the tension between nature and money.
Binswanger believed that the modern monetary economy is subjected to a "growth imperative", on the one hand, and a "growth pull", on the other. It must grow because corporate financial gains are tied to growth. Without growth, the economy spirals downward, quickly leading to an economic crisis. However, the imperative for growth leads to a fundamental dilemma, as infinite growth on a finite planet is not possible in the long term.
Some of Binswanger’s most notable works include the "NAWU-Report: Wege aus der Wohlstandsfalle" [NAWU report: ways out of the prosperity trap] (1978), "Arbeit ohne Umweltzerstörung" [Work without environmental destruction] (1983) and "Geld und Magie" [Money and magic], published in 1985, an economic interpretation of Goethe's "Faust", which Binswanger saw as a protagonist for the modern monetary economy. In 2006, he published "Die Wachstumsspirale," [The growth spiral], a theoretical synthesis. Binswanger was critical of mainstream economics and often transcended the boundaries of his own discipline in his research. The societal relevance and practical applicability of his research were always of great importance to him. Binswanger is considered one of the fathers of the idea of ecological tax reform and was also actively involved in local politics.
The Hans Christoph Binswanger Fellowship includes a nine-month research visit at the University of St. Gallen and is endowed with financial support of CHF 90,000. The selected winner of the fellowship also receives the Hans Christoph Binswanger Prize. This fellowship and prize are intended for early-career researchers in social sciences and humanities. Eligible candidates are those nearing the completion of their doctorate, in the post-doctoral phase, or holding a temporary academic position as early-career researchers (e.g., junior professorship or tenure-track position). Those with permanent academic positions are excluded from applying.
The award of the fellowship and prize is based on a scholarly work of integrative character in areas where Hans Christoph Binswanger made significant contributions:
Both published and unpublished works (papers or monographs), written in English or German and not older than five years, are accepted. Master's or bachelor's theses are not permitted. Special consideration is given to works that stand out for their originality and societal relevance. Works by multiple authors are considered if all authors are early-career researchers. This should be specified in the self-assessment (see below). The jury reserves the right to proportionally award the fellowship to multiple early-career researchers and determine the respective shares at its discretion.
In the past, the Hans Christoph Binswanger Prize has been awarded three times without the fellowship. Previous winners can still apply for the fellowship. If a previous winner is selected, only the fellowship and no prize will be awarded.
Two-thirds of the fellowship is dedicated to advancing the fellow’s own research. One-third of the time is allocated for participation in the interdisciplinary project "Re-Interpreting Freedom", conducted in collaboration with 6 to 8 other fellows at the University of St. Gallen. This broadly defined project offers the opportunity to contribute collaboratively to the topic from one’s own research focus. An important goal of the project is to engage with an interdisciplinary group of scholars and build a corresponding network.
Application materials consist of:
Applications are submitted exclusively in digital form via this online form by September 30, 2024. Submitted documents will be treated confidentially.
The jury makes its decision in a non-public session. Legal recourse is excluded.
The winner will be notified by the end of November 2024. The award ceremony will take place in consultation with the winner in a ceremonial setting with the St.Gallen Collegium.
Inquiries via email: hcbpreis@unisg.ch