Astrid Erll

Astrid Erll is Professor of Anglophone Literatures and Cultures at Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main since 2010. She is a leading international scholar in memory studies with significant contributions to literary theory, transcultural studies, and media studies. Her work bridges humanities and social sciences, focusing on how cultural memory operates across national borders through various media forms.

Her research interests include:

• Memory studies and cultural memory
• Transcultural and transnational studies
• Literary theory and narratology
• Media studies and intermediality
• Anglophone literatures and cultures

Erll's scholarly work demonstrates a clear evolution from national memory frameworks to transnational memory dynamics. Her publications reveal consistent focus on how memories travel across cultural boundaries, with particular attention to literary and audiovisual media. Recent work examines memory during global crises like the pandemic, while earlier research established foundational concepts for understanding memory circulation across national borders.

Her notable scientific awards include:

• Opus Magnum award of Volkswagen Foundation (2016)
• International Research Fellowship at Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (2009/2010)
• University of Wuppertal award for Excellence in Teaching (2008)
• Justus Liebig University Award for Excellence in Post-doctoral Research (2005)
• Justus Liebig University Dissertation Prize (2002/2003)
• Doctoral Fellowship from German National Academic Foundation (1999/2002)

Professor Erll leads the Frankfurt Memory Studies Platform and serves as general editor for the book series 'Studies in Collective Memory' (Oxford University Press) and 'Media and Cultural Memory' (de Gruyter). She contributes to multiple international research networks including AFRASO and COST/NITMES, focusing on transcultural memory narratives across Europe and beyond.

She maintains active editorial leadership as member of advisory boards for Memory Studies (SAGE), Memory, Mind & Media (Cambridge UP), and The Memory Studies Review (Brill), demonstrating sustained influence in shaping the theoretical direction of the field.