Franz Leithold

Dr. Franz Leithold is a Lecturer at the University of Freiburg, affiliated with the Faculty of Philology. As head of the University Library's Media Center since 2000 and Deputy Director of the University Library since 2015, he has pioneered media skills education and interdisciplinary projects in media culture studies.

• Slavic and German Studies graduate (University of Freiburg)
• Doctorate in 1988

His research interests focus on media practice, blending film analysis, digital journalism, and multimedia teaching methods. He founded uni.tv (student television), integrated radio and newsletter editorial offices into the trans-medial platform uniCROSS (2014), and co-created the Film and Religion Section with Prof. Magnus Striet. These initiatives emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on media training for students.

Scientific Awards:

• State Teaching Award (Baden-Württemberg, 2001) for his multimedia teaching program "Literature and Film: Effi Briest"
• Honorary Professorship (Faculty of Philology, 2020) for outstanding contributions to media practice

Leithold leads the Media Center, uni.tv, and uniCROSS editorial office, serving as a bridge between academic departments (including Romance Languages and Literatures, Center for French Studies) and media-based education at the University of Freiburg.