LMU researcher elected to two academies of sciences

Martin von Koppenfels is regarded as one of the leading figures in General and Comparative Literature in the German-speaking world. He is particularly renowned for his work on the theory and history of narrative, the affective dimensions of literature, and the history of Spanish poetry. In addition, he has made significant contributions to research on the relationships between literature and dreams, the history of psychoanalysis, and literary translation.

By electing him to their ranks, both academies are recognizing the outstanding contributions that Koppenfels has made to literary studies and his internationally acclaimed research.

“For someone who has spent a considerable part of their academic life trying to position themselves between two or more disciplinary chairs, being elected to an academy is a real opportunity. If all goes well, this will provide space for the kind of open-ended conversations between disciplines that would be classified as a security risk in the outside world,” says Martin von Koppenfels.

His studies on the affective dynamics of the modern novel and the emotional dimensions of literary narrative techniques have attracted particular attention. Through the German Research Foundation (DFG) research group “Philology of Adventure”, which he leads, he has also opened up new perspectives on the cultural and literary significance of adventure as a form of narrative and knowledge.

Martin von Koppenfels has also set standards as an editor and translator. His work on Spanish and Hispanic American poetry has made an important contribution to international literary exchange and to making foreign-language poetry accessible to German-speaking audiences.

His election to the Mainz Academy of Sciences and Literature and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities is a special recognition of his wide range of innovative and highly influential scholarly achievements.