Prof. Dr. Alberto Cevolini teaches sociology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy). He was fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at the University of Constance (2010-2012). His research deals with social systems theory, sociology of knowledge and intellectual history. He is working on a sociological theory of insurance institution. Selected publications: ‘Time Construction in Insurance Society’, Journal of Historical Sociology, 29(2), 2016, pp. 160-181; ‘Der Preis der Hoffnung’, in A. Cevolini (Ed.): Die Ordnung des Kontingenten. Beiträge zur zahlenmäßigen Selbstbeschreibung der modernen Gesellschaft. Springer VS, 2014, pp. 177-207; ‘Coping with the Unknown. Time and Technology in Formal Organizations Searching for Safety’, Distinktion. Scandinavian Journal of Social Theory, 13(3), 2012, pp. 367-383; ‘Die Einrichtung der Versicherung als soziologisches Problem’, Sociologia Internationalis, (48)1, 2010, pp. 65-89.