Prof. Dr. Maria Schmidt

Maria Schmidt is an Associate Professor of Comparative Politics at Freie Universität Berlin. Her research focuses on qualitative and multi-method approaches in political science, particularly process tracing, structured case comparison, and comparative historical analysis. She has published extensively on European integration, democratic backsliding, and methodological innovation in the social sciences. Maria holds a PhD from the European University Institute (Florence) and has been a visiting scholar at Harvard Kennedy School and the University of Oxford. She currently leads a DFG-funded project on qualitative research transparency.

Years of Experience: 15

Previous Affiliations: Harvard Kennedy School; European University Institute

Field of Study: Comparative Politics & Political Methodology

Institution (Degree): European University Institute, Florence

Highest Degree: Doctoral (PhD / Professional Doctorate)