Birgitt Riegraf

Prof. Dr. Birgitt Riegraf is Professor of General Sociology at Paderborn University's Faculty of Arts and Humanities and has served as President of the university since April 2018. Previously, she was Vice President for Teaching, Studies and Quality Management (2015-2018) and Deputy President (2016-2018). Her academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to sociology, particularly in gender studies and social inequality.

Her educational background includes:

• Studies in Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Religious Studies at Freie Universität Berlin
• Interdisciplinary supplementary program in "Qualitative Methods in Social Sciences" at FU Berlin
• PhD from FU Berlin (1995)
• Habilitation from Bielefeld University's Sociology Faculty (2004)

Prof. Riegraf's research focuses primarily on Gender Studies, where she served as spokesperson for the Women's and Gender Studies section of the German Sociological Association (2010-2014). Her work extensively explores Social Inequality, particularly examining race, class, and gender intersections through courses like "Theorien sozialer Ungleichheiten." She has made significant contributions to the Sociology of Organizations, analyzing institutions like universities and businesses. Her editorial work on the "Work Society in Change" series demonstrates expertise in labor transformations. She maintains strong interest in foundational Sociological Theory and promotes Interdisciplinary Approaches through gender studies programs.

Prof. Riegraf serves on the editorial board of "Feminist Studies" and co-edits multiple academic book series including "Geschlechter und Gesellschaft." She is an active member of professional organizations including RINGS, ISA, RC 32 Women and Society, and the German Sociological Association.

Her leadership extends to significant academic administration, currently serving as President of Paderborn University. She has held various leadership positions including Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Studies (2011-2015), and has been instrumental in developing interdisciplinary programs like the Master's program "Gender Knowledge" at Bielefeld University. She also serves in the executive board of the Digital University NRW and the Gender Center at Paderborn University.