Stephan Kirchschlager

Stephan Kirchschlager is a Lecturer and Head of the Institute of Social Work and Law at the Lucerne School of Social Work (HSLU). He also serves as Vice Dean and leads Continuing and Executive Education programs. His academic career includes roles as Project Manager and Researcher at the University of Lucerne and the University of Bielefeld.

Education: Holds a PhD in Sociology (2012) from the University of Lucerne, a Diplom in Sociology from Bielefeld (2004), and a business apprenticeship (1994). Key certifications include CAS Leadership (2017–2018) and a didactics course (2015–2016).

Research focuses on qualitative methods in social work, organizational sociology, and volunteering dynamics. Projects include analyzing pandemic impacts on elderly volunteers and participation in youth initiatives. He has published widely on civil society engagement, elderly care, and career service practices.

Scientific contributions include a 2024 chapter on Swiss civil society trends and a 2022 study on pandemic effects on volunteerism. He received a stipend from the Evangelischen Studienwerks Villigst (2006–2007).

Leadership roles include steering the Institute of Social Work and Law, overseeing professional development programs, and collaborating on inter-institutional research projects.