Ole Rüter

Ole Rüter is a Researcher at the Center for Religious Studies (CERES) at Ruhr University Bochum, where he is part of the Plugether research project since 2025. Concurrently, he pursues a PhD at Humboldt University Berlin’s Chair of Ethics and Hermeneutics, focusing on the moral assessment of unconditional basic income in Germany since the 1980s. His research integrates social ethics and anthropology, examining basic income models through justice theory. Rüter studied Protestant theology at universities in Göttingen, Dublin, and Berlin (2015–2024), with a focus on public theology, digital religion, and the church’s role in pluralistic societies. His interdisciplinary interests were deepened through summer schools in South Africa.

Professional Roles:

• Research Associate, Plugether Project (CERES, Ruhr University Bochum, 2025–present)
• PhD Candidate, Humboldt University Berlin (2025–present)
• Student Inspector, Stiftung Johanneum (2024–present)
• Assistant, Deutsche Jazzunion e.V. (2024–2025)

Research Interests: Rüter’s work bridges theology and social sciences, addressing contemporary issues like digital religion, public theology, and the ethical dimensions of socio-economic policies. His PhD project critiques basic income frameworks through normative ethical lenses, emphasizing justice and societal inclusion.

Other Activities: Beyond academia, Rüter is an active jazz drummer, reflecting his engagement with cultural and communal life. His career blends scholarly rigor with practical experience in student housing, jazz advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.