Andrea Szukala

Andrea Szukala is a Full Professor of Political Education and Didactics of Social Sciences at the University of Augsburg, where she has served since October 2022. Previously, she held professorial positions at the University of Münster (2015-2022), University of Siegen (2014-2015), and served as acting professor at Bielefeld University and the University of Duisburg-Essen. She holds significant leadership roles including Deputy Federal Chair of the German Association for Political Education (DVPB) since 2021 and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Social Science Education since 2025.

Her academic background includes a doctorate (Dr.rer.pol.) from the University of Cologne in 2002, studies at Sciences Po Paris (1990-1991), and undergraduate studies in Political Science, Economics, and Romance Studies at the University of Bonn (1986-1988). She completed teacher training and qualification for vocational schools between 2003-2004.

Professor Szukala's research centers on political education, social science didactics, and civic education, with particular emphasis on democracy education, European citizenship, and the challenges of political polarization in educational contexts. Her work frequently employs comparative approaches, especially between Germany and France, and examines how political education responds to contemporary challenges including digitalization, democratic backsliding, and social cohesion. She has developed innovative teaching methods such as research-based learning approaches that engage students with real-world political phenomena. Her recent publications show a strong focus on the intersection of political education with contemporary challenges including digital sovereignty, epistemic justice, and the impact of culture wars on citizenship education.

Among her professional service contributions, Szukala serves as Deputy Federal Chair of the German Association for Political Education (DVPB), was founding board member of the Luxembourg Center for Political Education (2018-2025), and chaired the Section for Political Science and Political Education of the DVPW (2016-2021). She is an active member of multiple professional associations including the German Political Science Association (DVPW) and the French Political Science Association (AFSP).

Professor Szukala leads research projects including AUCIS (Augsburg Civic Studies) and has previously directed projects such as ZUNAMI (Together Developing Cohesion Narratives) funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Her work often involves collaboration with colleagues across Europe, particularly in France, reflecting her longstanding interest in Franco-German educational comparisons.