In 2018, the university management of Leibniz University Hannover commissioned Dr. Teresa Nentwig (University of Göttingen) to investigate the work and effects of the psychologist Helmut Kentler, previously a professor of social pedagogy at the former Technische Universität Hannover. The investigation sought to review Kentler''s work at the university as well as to assess the role of the those surrounding his research in greater detail. Dr. Nentwig has now presented her findings in the discourse "Between lectures, reviews and media appearances: Helmut Kentler''s works at the former University of Hannover (1976-1996)". The report (in German language) is available for download at www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/profil/geschichte/kentler/ .
Kentler, now deceased, was a professor at the former University of Hannover until 1996. His statements and research conduct are inexcusable and utterly unacceptable. Leibniz University Hannover explicitly disassociates itself from Helmut Kentler and his work. Dr. Nentwig previously addressed the matter within the scope of a project titled "The sex researcher''s role in the discourse on paedophilia - Helmut Kentler for instance".
Kentler is particularly criticised for his trivialisation of paedophilia. Prior to his position at the former University of Hannover, he was involved in an experiment in which Berlin foster children were put into the care of men known to be paedophiles. In the report, which is now available to view, Dr. Nentwig comprehensively reviews Kentler''s work and its effects at the University. The conduct of those surrounding Kentler''s research during this period was also closely assessed
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