Asta Vonderau

Asta Vonderau is Professor of Anthropology and Comparative Sociology at the Department of Ethnology, Faculty of Philosophy I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. She concurrently serves as Executive Director of both the Centre for Interdisciplinary Regional Studies (ZIRS) and the Centre for Just Transition and Sustainability (HALIS) at the university.

Her educational background includes:

• 2013: Positive evaluation as Associate Professor of Anthropology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
• 2004-2008: Dr. phil. in European Ethnology from Humboldt University Berlin
• 1996-2001: Magistra Artium in European Ethnology and Scandinavian Studies from Humboldt University Berlin
• 1991-1995: Studies of Baltic Philology and Scandinavian Studies at University Vilnius and University Copenhagen

Professor Vonderau's research spans structural change, sustainability, and regional studies with particular focus on climate urgency and just transitions. Her anthropological work examines how communities navigate complex social, economic, and environmental transformations through interdisciplinary approaches that bridge cultural anthropology with comparative sociology. She investigates the intersection of urban development, environmental challenges, and social justice in contemporary societies.

Her scholarly recognition includes:

• 2016 Fellowship from ZEIT-Stiftung for urban research at HafenCity University Hamburg
• 2013-2017 Research grant for 'Farming Data, Forming the Cloud' from The Swedish Foundation for Humanities and Social Sciences
• 2009-2010 Scholarship from Berlin Equal Opportunities Programme
• 2004-2008 Doctoral scholarship from Heinrich Böll Foundation
• 2000 DAAD Award for excellent student paper on dual citizenship

As an academic leader, Professor Vonderau serves on the Advisory Board of the European Research Council (ERC) Project Emptiness and contributes to editorial work for CEU Press's 'Anthropologies of Eurasia' series. Her leadership extends to directing major research centers focused on sustainability and regional studies.

She actively participates in research networks including C-Urge (Anthropology of Global Climate Urgency), CityIndustries (International Research Network), and the Center for Interdisciplinary Regional Studies (ZIRS), where she develops interdisciplinary approaches to address post-carbon futures and structural societal transformations.