Dr Andrew Smith from the United States

Faculty of Protestant Theology


1) Why did you decide to come to Muenster for your research?

The Institut für Neutestamentliche Textforschung here at the university is in charge of producing the critical editions of the Greek New Testament that are used by scholars and students worldwide. Münster was the natural place to come to learn the institute's process and best practices for creating a critical edition.


2) What is your research about (in simple terms)?

I will be editing the Editio Critica Maior edition of the Pastoral Epistles (St. Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus), the most complete critical edition of these letters to date, produced from over 300 Greek manuscripts and numerous early translations (Latin, Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, Gothic, and early church fathers).


3) Has the research environment in Muenster affected your work? Would you recommend coming to Muenster to a colleague?

Münster has been a fantastic place for doing this work. The staff at the institute has been so welcoming and collegial. This is a research sabbatical for me, and my time here has been very productive, educational, and rewarding.


4) What would you advise other international researchers to do during their stay in Münster? Is there anything you do particularly like about Muenster?

Take advantage of the help available from the university personnel, get to know the city during your stay, and be sure to spend time with colleagues outside of your research environment. Despite being picky eaters, my kids love the bakeries and have fallen in love with bratwurst and many of the Wochenmarkt treats. There are times I miss having a car (we drive everywhere in the US), but it has been great to be able to bike nearly everywhere we need to go.