With its interdisciplinary publication series "Studies in Material Culture" , the Institute of Material Culture combines critical analyses of material culture research and fashion theory with approaches from cultural studies and cultural analysis. The aim of the series is to offer students, young academics, established academics and interested parties a publication platform and to make theses and results from (teaching) research projects accessible (open access).

Material culture encompasses not only everyday objects, their nature, production methods, use, distribution and presentation (e.g. in museums), but also their significance as representations of social processes, ways of life and power relations.

Depending on the series, the quality assurance of the submitted contributions is carried out either via a peer review or, in the case of final theses, via a recommendation from the two reviewers. Teaching research results and exhibition catalogues are published if the project leaders, the editors and the editorial board approve. There is also a scientific advisory boardwhich serves the exchange of expertise. The members are contact persons for the procurement of reviewers for peer reviews.

The publishing house Studien zur Materiellen Kultur was founded in 2011. Since then, the publishing house's range has become increasingly differentiated. Prof Dr Karen Ellwanger has been the publisher's editor since 2011. Dr Stefanie Mallon was Editorial Director from 2011 to 2020 and was replaced by Nele M. Fuchs from 2020 until the beginning of 2023. Vivien Müller succeeded her from March 2023 to October 2025. Since November 2025, Sena Harms has assumed the role of Editorial Director of the publishing house.

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