University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
Ghazal Aarabi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Periodontology, Preventive Dentistry and Dental Conservation within the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). She actively participates in clinical research projects and publications focusing on oral-systemic health connections. Researcher in periodontal epidemiology Key contributor to the Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) Principal investigator in migration health research (MuMi Study) Research Focus spans three main areas: Periodontal-Brain Interactions through inflammatory pathways Oral Health Literacy among migrant populations Oral-Cardiovascular Links in aging populations Selected Publications (2018-2022) demonstrate her work in: Periodontal disease and cerebral microangiopathy Dental care utilization during pandemics Oral health disparities in migration contexts Current Projects include: PAROCARD : Oral health and cardiovascular surrogate markers MuMi : Migrant oral health promotion Cerebral Microangiopathy study in periodontitis patients
Prof. Dr. Anette Eva Fasang is a Full Professor of Microsociology at Humboldt University of Berlin, where she also serves as Director of the Department of Social Sciences and Academic Director of the Berlin Graduate School of Social Sciences (BGSS). She leads major research initiatives on life course stratification, social demography, and inequality, and has held leadership roles at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center. Her work bridges sociology, demography, and quantitative methodology, with a strong focus on comparative welfare state analysis. Ph.D. in Sociology, Jacobs University Bremen (2005–2009) B.A. and M.A. in Sociology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (1999–2004) Her research centers on life course dynamics, particularly how family formation, employment, and welfare regimes interact to shape social inequality across the lifespan. She employs advanced quantitative methods, especially sequence analysis, to study intergenerational transmission, gender disparities, and the long-term consequences of early-life trajectories. Her work spans comparative European and U.S. contexts and increasingly includes global perspectives, such as in Egypt and Senegal. The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on life course trajectories, social stratification, and methodological innovation. Key themes include the intersection of work and family, wealth and earnings accumulation, gender and racial inequality, and the impact of structural factors like welfare regimes and labor markets. Methodologically, her work advances sequence analysis and decomposition techniques for longitudinal data. Scientific Awards: Elected Fellow of the European Academy of Sociology (2024) Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award for Excellence in Work-Family Research (2023) Honorary Doctorate from the University of Turku (2022) Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award (2018) Prof. Fasang has supervised numerous doctoral students, many of whom have won top dissertation prizes. She leads significant research grants from the German Research Foundation (DFG), including the Cluster of Excellence SCRIPTS and the DYNAMICS research training group. Her advisory roles include the German Family Demographic Panel (FReDA) and scientific boards in Germany and Finland. She is actively involved in research teams and collaborative projects, such as the KOMPAKK study on household risks during the pandemic and the EQUALLIVES project on young adult life courses. Her work is deeply embedded in interdisciplinary networks across Europe and North America.
Max Planck Institute for Demographic ResearchGermany
Mikko Myrskylä is Director at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) and Professor of Social Data Science at the University of Helsinki. Previously, he served as Professor of Demography at the London School of Economics. His academic training includes a PhD in Demography from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Statistics from the University of Helsinki. His research focuses on population health, fertility dynamics, and demographic forecasting. Key areas include: Low fertility determinants through the ERC Synergy project BIOSFER Social inequalities in health via the Max Planck-University of Helsinki Center Labor demography and population aging He leads MPIDR's Laboratory of Population Health, Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being, and Research Group Labor Demography. Myrskylä's recent publications show strong emphasis on: Fertility trends under economic uncertainty Health disparities across migration/life course stages Family dynamics and aging societies Methodological innovations in demographic analysis Work frequently employs large-scale register data and cross-national comparisons, particularly in Nordic contexts. He leads major collaborative initiatives including: ERC Synergy project BIOSFER (low fertility causes) MaxHel Center (social inequalities in health) with extensive interdisciplinary teams across Europe.
David Brady is a Professor at the Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California. Previously, he held roles including Professor and Director of the Blum Initiative on Global and Regional Poverty at UC Riverside (2015-2024), Visiting Research Professor at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center (2020-2024), and Adjunct Professor at Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs since 2013. Education: Ph.D. in Sociology with minor in Public Management, Indiana University (2001) M.A. in Sociology, Indiana University (1997) B.A. in Sociology with minor in Political Science, University of Minnesota (1994) Research focuses on poverty, inequality, social policy, globalization, and labor markets. Key themes include cross-national comparisons of welfare systems, immigration impacts, unionization effects, and racial disparities in economic outcomes. His work bridges sociology, political science, and public policy, emphasizing empirical analysis of structural and institutional drivers of inequality. Major contributions include books like The Oxford Handbook of the Social Science of Poverty (2016) and Rich Democracies, Poor People (2009). His articles analyze topics ranging from refugee integration in Germany to Medicaid's role in reducing racial health gaps. Labs/Teams: Associated with the WZB's Inequality and Social Policy research unit and the Blum Initiative. Active in policy-oriented research collaborations focusing on global poverty trends and social policy frameworks.
Max Planck Institute for Demographic ResearchGermany
Ewa Batyra is an Affiliate Researcher at the Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being within the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR). Her work focuses on global demographic patterns related to fertility, family formation, and socioeconomic disparities. Key Research Areas: Fertility dynamics, child marriage, union formation, and the impact of education on demographic transitions. Geographic Focus: Global South, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Recent Trends: Batyra's publications analyze post-disaster fertility shifts, unintended pregnancy outcomes, and the role of income inequality in delaying parenthood. She employs cross-national datasets and advanced statistical methods like fixed-effects modeling. Collaborations: Works with institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania (Hans-Peter Kohler), University of Oxford (Tiziana Leone), and Brazilian research teams on fertility forecasting.
Oliver Winkler, PD Dr., is a German sociologist of education based at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU). Since 2021 he heads the BMBF-funded junior research group "EDIREG" on the educational integration of refugee children and youth; in 2024 he was awarded the venia legendi and now teaches as a private lecturer in the Institute of Sociology. Parallel to this he works (2025-) as research associate at the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories evaluating the federal "Startchancen" programme. Education 2004-2010: Diploma studies in Sociology, University of Leipzig & Université Pierre-Mendès-France (Grenoble) 2016: Doctorate (Dr. phil.), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg 2016-2019: Fellow, College for Interdisciplinary Educational Research (CIDER) 2024: Habilitation (venia legendi), MLU – Private Lecturer Research interests Winkler investigates how social and spatial contexts produce educational inequality, with a current focus on refugee integration, transitions to vocational education, and the role of regional opportunity structures. His work combines large-scale administrative data with contextual and policy analysis to explain variation in educational participation and attainment. Recent publication trends Between 2018 and 2025 Winkler published extensively on three inter-related themes: (1) educational transitions and aspirations of refugee youth in Germany, (2) social-structural and regional determinants of participation in vocational and higher education, and (3) comparative stratification of higher-education systems. His 2025 monograph Ungleichheit und Raum synthesises findings on spatial inequality in education and labour markets. Scientific awards & honours No specific prizes or medals are mentioned in the supplied material. Advising & grants Winkler currently supervises three early-career researchers (Dr. Melanie Olczyk, Franziska Meyer, Hannah Glinka) within the EDIREG group. He has continuously acquired third-party funding, most notably the BMBF grant for EDIREG (2021-2025) and earlier DFG funding for the Franco-German project on university choice (2015-2018). Labs & teams He leads the Junior Research Group "EDIREG" hosted by the Institute of Sociology at MLU and is an associate member of the Center for School and Educational Research (ZSB) at the same university.
PD Dr. Anna Pelka is a Senior Lecturer in European History (19th and 20th Centuries) at the University of Regensburg’s Institute of History , within the Faculty of Philosophy, Arts, History and Social Sciences. She specializes in the intersection of cultural, urban, and political history, with a focus on dictatorships in Spain, East Germany, and Poland. Her research examines topics such as urban development under Franco, youth fashion as political expression, and gender ideologies in authoritarian regimes. Educations: PhD (2006): Ruhr University Bochum, analyzing youth fashion in Poland and the DDR. Habilitation (2018): University of Regensburg, on urban change in Madrid and Barcelona during Franco’s dictatorship. Studies: Art History at University of Warsaw (1994–1999), German Language Studies (2000–2001), and extended research stays in Spain (2001–2003, 2008–2010). Research interests span urban sociology, fashion as political discourse, dictatorship-era policies, and transnational cultural exchanges. Her work often highlights how everyday practices (e.g., clothing, neighborhood mobilizations) reflect broader political and social dynamics. Recent projects include DFG-funded studies on Katowice’s multiethnic history and urban marginalization under Franco. Teaching focuses on modern European history, methodological approaches, and interdisciplinary seminars. She leads courses like “The Acoustic Turn in Historical Research” and “Comic Books as Tools for Teaching 20th-Century Dictatorships.” Key publications include monographs like Urbaner Wandel und Öffentlichkeit (2019) and edited volumes such as the Vademecum of Contemporary Spanish History (2012). Her articles explore topics like workers’ movements in 19th-century Katowice, neighborhood strategies in Madrid under Franco, and fashion as a tool of political control in communist regimes. Awards and grants include DFG funding for multiple projects, reflecting her established reputation in European historical studies. She actively contributes to academic networks and public history initiatives, such as curating exhibitions on GDR culture.
Valentina Di Stasio is a Full-time Professor of Sociology at the European University Institute's Department of Political and Social Sciences. She joined the EUI in 2024 after holding positions as Assistant and Associate Professor at Utrecht University, where she co-founded and co-led the Interuniversity Network on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Nuffield College, University of Oxford, and research positions at the WZB Social Science Center in Berlin. Di Stasio earned her PhD from the University of Amsterdam in 2014 with a dissertation titled 'Why education matters to employers: A vignette study in Italy, England and the Netherlands,' which received the 'Best PhD thesis of the year' award from the European Consortium for Sociological Research (ECSR). Her research primarily addresses labor market inequalities with a focus on gender, ethnic, and racial discrimination. She employs comparative approaches and experimental methods including correspondence tests and factorial surveys. Her recent work examines Islamophobia, anti-Muslim discrimination, and ethnic and gender stereotypes from an intersectional perspective. In 2021, she received an ERC Starting Grant for the TARGETS project (2022-2027), a cross-national multi-actor study on ethnic discrimination in the workplace, and currently serves as co-PI of the Horizon Europe project EqualStrength. Di Stasio's publications span high-impact journals including Annual Review of Sociology, British Journal of Sociology, and Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. Her recent research output demonstrates a consistent focus on discrimination mechanisms across European labor markets, with particular attention to religious, ethnic, and gender intersections. ERC Starting Grant for TARGETS project (2022-2027) Best PhD thesis award from European Consortium for Sociological Research She supervises PhD students including Chiara Guasti and Maša Krajnc, and has coordinated significant research projects including the GEMM project, the first cross-nationally harmonized correspondence test conducted simultaneously in five countries (Britain, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain). Her work combines theoretical innovation with methodological rigor, contributing substantially to our understanding of discrimination processes in contemporary European societies.
Prof. Annette Geiger is a Professor of Theory and History of Design at the University of the Arts Bremen, within the Faculty of Art and Design's Department of Design Theory and History. She holds a doctorate from the University of Stuttgart's Institute of Art History and has taught at universities in Paris, Berlin, and Darmstadt. Her research explores the interplay between art, design, and everyday life, focusing on aesthetic cultures, design discourse, and critical analysis. Education: Studied art, cultural studies, and communication in Berlin, Grenoble, and Paris. Doctoral thesis: 'Urbild und fotografischer Blick' (2004) examined 18th-century painting and photography's origins. Research interests emphasize the scope and ambiguities of design, the role of discourse, and the intersection of signs, media, spaces, bodies, and clothing. She engages in critical analysis of design's societal impact and aesthetic boundaries. Recent awards include a Bronze Award (2014) and Gold Award (2012) from the New York Art Directors Club for publications by the University of the Arts Bremen. Her essays span cultural criticism, fashion theory, and media analysis across FAZ, taz, and Stylepark among others. Teaches courses like 'Theorie Vertiefung für ID BA und MA' and 'Creating Cultural Dialogues in Transcultural Contexts.' Active in organizing academic events such as the TRANSFORMATIONS symposium series and the Destroy Media conference. No grants or lab affiliations explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.
Professor of Sociology at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Founding Director of the Munich International Stone Center for Inequality Research (ISI), Fabian T. Pfeffer is a leading scholar in social inequality , wealth distribution , and intergenerational mobility . His work bridges empirical research with policy implications, focusing on how structural factors shape economic outcomes. Research areas include Wealth and income inequality Gender disparities in economic elites Life course dynamics Entrepreneurship and social mobility Recent publications explore cross-national wealth correlations , legal frameworks for cohabiting couples , and gender gaps among billionaires . As a DIW Fellow , he contributes to Germany’s Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). His €1.6M Volkswagen Foundation grant funds a team examining wealth’s impact on social cohesion. Scientific Awards : DIW Fellow Volkswagen Foundation Grant recipient Director of ISI, Pfeffer organizes global conferences (e.g., 2025 International Wealth Conference) and collaborates with institutions like the University of Chicago’s Stone Center. He mentors inequality research networks and advocates for policy reforms like progressive wealth taxation.
F. J. B. van Duijnhoven is a prominent researcher at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), specializing in cancer epidemiology with a particular focus on colorectal cancer. As a key member of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology, he contributes significantly to understanding the complex interplay between genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors in colorectal cancer development and progression. His research interests span several critical areas in cancer epidemiology, including Mendelian randomization methodologies to establish causal relationships, metabolic pathways in cancer development (particularly the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway), genetic risk factors across diverse populations, and the impact of nutritional factors on cancer risk and outcomes. His work often bridges the gap between basic science and clinical applications, with a strong emphasis on identifying modifiable risk factors for cancer prevention. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a consistent focus on sophisticated epidemiological methods, particularly Mendelian randomization studies that help establish causality in observational data. His research spans multiple domains including genetic epidemiology, nutritional factors, metabolic biomarkers, and gene-environment interactions. The international nature of his collaborations is evident through numerous multi-center consortium studies involving European and East Asian populations. His scientific contributions primarily appear in high-impact oncology and epidemiology journals, demonstrating his standing in the cancer research community. His work frequently addresses questions relevant to cancer prevention strategies and risk stratification approaches. Van Duijnhoven actively collaborates with international research teams across multiple continents, contributing to large-scale studies with thousands of participants. His research has significant implications for developing personalized prevention strategies and improving our understanding of colorectal cancer etiology across diverse populations.
Prof. Dr. Joanna Pfaff-Czarnecka is a Full Professor of Social Anthropology at the Faculty of Sociology, Bielefeld University , holding this position since 2001. She has served in multiple leadership roles including Dean of the Faculty of Sociology (2018-2019), Scientific Member of the DFG Senate (2011-present), and Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZIF) (2011-2019). Her work spans Arbeitsbereich 6 - Sociology of Transnationalization and Social Anthropology , the Institute for World Society , and the Center for InterAmerican Studies . Research Interests: Pfaff-Czarnecka specializes in globalization processes , political anthropology (ethnicity and democratization), legal anthropology (human/minority rights), and the anthropology of home and belonging . Her work explores ethnic boundary-making , religious diversity , and transnational identity politics , particularly in Nepal and Switzerland. She investigates how vernacularization of global norms (e.g., indigenous rights) interacts with local practices. Scientific Awards & Collaborations: Multiple Visiting Fellowships at the University of Oxford (2007, 1997-1998, 1992) Visiting Professor at Tokyo University (1999) Professional Staff at ICIMOD, Kathmandu (1990-1991) Cross-Cutting Themes: She connects Swiss minority rights with Nepalese democratization , analyzing ritual communication , cultural boundary dynamics , and transnational kinship across South Asia and Europe.
Thilo Fehmel is a Professor of Social Administration and Social Policy at the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences and serves as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Social Sciences . His academic career spans institutions like the University of Leipzig (habilitation in sociology) and Cooperative State University Gera. Research Focus: Social policy, welfare state theory, European sociology, labor sociology, and sociological theory (conflict, autonomy, deviance). Projects: Led research on Citizen Participation in the Digital Society (2019-2021, funded by Saxony) and Social Policy by Collective Agreement (2015-2019, funded by Hans Böckler Foundation). Publications: Over 25 monographs and edited volumes, including Tarifsozialpolitik (2021) and Sicherungsbewahrung (2013). Academic Leadership: Contributed to journals like Traverse and Soziologie , and edited special issues on welfare state transformation. His work bridges theoretical sociological analysis with practical policy implications, emphasizing the role of collective bargaining and institutional frameworks in shaping social security systems across Europe.
Christoph Frohn is a Lecturer and Research Assistant at the Institute of Sociology , University of Duisburg-Essen, with a focus on empirical social research, longitudinal analysis, and health/migration sociology. Education: Doctorate (2024), University of Duisburg-Essen Master of Arts in Sociology (2017), University of Duisburg-Essen Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Philosophy (2014), University of Trier His research integrates microsimulation techniques with health inequality analysis, particularly examining physical/mental health interplay, migrant health disparities, and generational differences in care expectations. He frequently employs autoregressive latent trajectory models and longitudinal data in his work. Publications and conference presentations (2019-2025) demonstrate expertise in dynamic microsimulation of social dynamics , with applications to migrant pay gaps, health stratification, and caregiving conflicts. Recent lectures at international conferences (e.g., Joint Statistical Meeting 2024) highlight methodological innovations in panel data analysis.
Philipp Lersch is a Professor at the Humboldt University , affiliated with the Institute of Social Sciences under the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education. He also serves as the Women's* Representative. His research focuses on wealth inequality, family dynamics, homeownership, and social mobility. Visiting Address: Universitätsstraße 3b, Room 112 Mailing Address: Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin Email: p.m.lersch@hu-berlin.de , pmlersch@hu-berlin.de Research Interests include: Wealth inequality in family contexts Homeownership mobility across Europe Gender roles in financial decision-making Intergenerational wealth transmission Life course sociology Recent Trends in his work emphasize computational reproducibility, cross-national comparisons of housing wealth, and the intersection of demographic shifts with economic disparities. His publications span topics like cohabitation wealth premiums, marital dissolution impacts, and policy-driven financial behaviors.
