Simone Birkel

Prof. Dr. Simone Birkel is a Professor of Religious Education at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, currently affiliated with the School of Transformation and Sustainability. Previously, she was part of the Faculty of Religious Education/Church Educational Work until October 2023. Her work spans religious education, sustainable development, and media studies, with a focus on innovative teaching methods and practical applications in youth ministry.

Her research interests include transformative learning, religious education for sustainable development (rESD), digital media in religious contexts, and youth and school pastoral care. Her work bridges theological reflection with practical educational applications, particularly in the context of ecological and social transformation.

Prof. Birkel's recent publications reveal a strong focus on the intersection of digital culture and religious identity, particularly through her research on selfies and digital self-presentation among youth. Her work also demonstrates significant engagement with sustainable development education, festival pastoral care, and innovative teaching formats that connect theological reflection with practical social engagement.

Her notable awards include the 2024 Uniservitate Service Learning Award for her work on festival pastoral care, the 2019 Creation Prize from the Diocese of Eichstätt, and the 2017 Teaching Innovation Award from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.

• 2024 Uniservitate Service Learning Award: Special Mention for Awareness: Pastoral Care in Festival Contexts
• 2019 Creation Prize of the Diocese of Eichstätt for student film project
• 2017 Teaching Innovation Award from KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
• 2000 Recognition in scientific early career competition

Prof. Birkel has supervised numerous student projects, including innovative youth ministry initiatives like the Spirit Poetry Slam, festival pastoral care programs, and research on digital identity formation. Her teaching includes courses on transformative religious education, theological-ethical aspects of sustainable development, and media education in religious contexts. She has also led significant research projects on church youth education transformation and religious education for sustainable development.