Alessandra Rusconi

Alessandra Rusconi is a Senior Researcher and Scientific Research Coordinator at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center's Research Department 'Skill Formation and Labor Markets'. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the Free University of Berlin (2003). Her research focuses on gender inequality in academia, dual career dynamics in academic couples, education policy governance, and labor market inequalities. Key themes include gender bias in academic recruitment, information disparities in educational choices, and institutional barriers to career advancement.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, Free University Berlin (2003)
• Laurea (M.A. equivalent) in Political Science, University of Florence (1997)

Research Interests:

• Gender equity in academic careers
• Policy analysis of education systems
• Work-family balance challenges
• Social stratification mechanisms
• Cross-national comparative studies
• Institutional governance of higher education

Recent Projects:

• "Appointment standards for professors in international and disciplinary comparison"
• "Berliner-Studienberechtigten-Panel (BEST-UP)"
• "Being a Couple: Stepping Stone or Stumbling Block for Female Careers?"

Her work combines experimental methodologies with policy analysis to address systemic inequalities. Ongoing studies examine gender biases in academic hiring and dual career coordination strategies in academia. She collaborates with institutions across Europe and North America on comparative research initiatives.