Goals of the IFMS
The interdisciplinary research focus on Maritime Security (iFMS) is based on a cooperation agreement (only available in German) between the Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Bundeswehr Hamburg (HSU/UniBw H) and the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg). Its aim is to enhance strategic foresight and contribute to strengthening the German government’s strategic capabilities in security policy. To provide evidence-based advice, facilitate opinion-building, and support strategy development, iFMS consolidates the scientific expertise on maritime security available at HSU/UniBw H and maintains close collaboration with the BMVg.
In parallel, iFMS researchers pursue independent studies related to maritime topics, particularly in connection with NATO’s northern flank, the Baltic Sea region, the Indo-Pacific, and maritime critical infrastructures. The main points of contact are Prof. Dr. Gary S. Schaal (Director) and Julian Pawlak (Scientific Coordinator).
iFMS as a cooperation
By providing scientific expertise through relevant analyses and studies, the iFMS contributes to the formation of evidence-based perspectives and strategies within the FMD, particularly in the department Pol II 1.
Within the broader field of maritime security, the clear focus of expertise of iFMS lies in cyber related subjects.
Topics of the IFMS
Within the topic of Maritime Security, iFMS has outstanding expertise in the North Sea and Baltic Sea region and Indonesia (Indo-Pacific), as well as the topics of cyber security, digitalization and maritime resilience.
The iFMS team is led by Prof. Dr. Gary S. Schaal as executive academic director. Further members of the team are Dr. Sebastian Dumm and Alexandra M. Friede M.A., Dr. Deniz Kocak, Julian Pawlak M.A., Severin Pleyer M.A. and Dr. Alexander Stulpe.
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