ERC Consolidator Grant for Prof. Dr. Timo Müller
"Off the Road: The Environmental Aesthetics of Early Automobility"
In times of climate crisis, there is wide agreement that we need a more environmental approach to automobility. “Off the Road” addresses this challenge by highlighting a largely forgotten fact: that automobility was a thoroughly environmental experience before the current system of closed cars on concrete roads emerged. This environmental automobility was particularly widespread in the United States, where much driving occurred in off-road conditions well into the 1920s. Motorists navigated through mud, sand, and water, constantly exposed to the elements and acutely aware of their surroundings. Early automobility thus engendered unprecedented modes of relating to the environment—modes that have never been systematically researched.
Timo Müller will use the ERC Consolidator Grant to fill this research gap with the help of a team of specialists from literary studies, environmental history, and the history of knowledge.
About the ERC Consolidator Grant
With the Consolidator Grant, the European Research Council supports excellent Principal Investigators in consolidating their own independent research teams or programmes and continuing to develop successful academic careers in Europe. ERC Consolidator Grants are awarded up to a maximum of 2 million euros for a period of 5 years.
An additional 1 million euros can be applied for to cover eligible "start-up" costs, such as equipment purchases, or fieldwork costs. To be considered for an ERC grant, Principal Investigators must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their scientific project.