Lea Ellwardt

Prof. Dr. Lea Ellwardt holds a tenured professorship in Sociology at the University of Cologne since October 2021, supported by a Heisenberg Fellowship. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences and the Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS). Her research focuses on social networks, aging processes, organizational dynamics, quantitative methodology, and research design.

Ellwardt's academic career includes:

• W1 Assistant Professor position at University of Cologne (2014-2021)
• Post-doctoral research at University of Groningen (2010-2014)
• PhD in Sociology from University of Groningen (2011)
• Diplom-Soziologin from Dresden University of Technology (2006)

Her research explores how social networks influence health outcomes, cognitive functioning, and survival in later life through innovative quantitative methods. Key themes include:

• Demographic transitions and family structures
• Social capital's role in aging populations
• Workplace communication dynamics
• Comparative welfare state analysis

Her publications demonstrate interdisciplinary focus bridging sociology, epidemiology, and gerontology. Current work emphasizes network complexity metrics and their health implications.

Awards/Funding: Heisenberg Fellowship (DFG) from 2021 onward.

Lab/Affiliation: Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS), part of University of Cologne's research infrastructure.