Peter Strasser

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Peter Strasser is a Professor for World Heritage and Cultural Property Protection at the University for Continuing Education Krems, leading the Jiří Toman Center for Cultural Heritage and Humanitarian Norms. He holds multiple academic degrees including LL.M. and PhDs in law and ethnology. His career spans legal practice, international organizations (UNESCO, OSCE, EU), and academic research.

Education: Studied Austrian law, European ethnology at Universities of Innsbruck and Nottingham. Holds Mag.iur (1989), Mag.phil (1992), Dr.iur (1994), LL.M. (1995), and Dr.phil (2018).

Research focuses on international cultural heritage protection, legal frameworks, and World Heritage management. Key initiatives include drafting international conventions (1954 Hague Convention Protocol, UNESCO conventions) and advising on World Heritage nominations. Projects include risk assessment for heritage sites, transnational heritage preservation, and cultural property protection in conflict zones.

Leadership roles include Head of the Jiří Toman Center (2022–present), Head of Center for Cultural Property Protection (2015–2023), and Senior Adviser at OSCE Mission in Kosovo (2019–2022). Active in EU-funded INTERREG projects and UNESCO collaborations.

Advocates for ethical heritage practices, restitution, and community-based conservation. Member of the University’s Equality Working Group. Over 200 publications on heritage law, cultural property, and ethnology.

Labs/Teams: Jiří Toman Center focuses on interdisciplinary approaches linking heritage protection with humanitarian law and global governance.