Ayça Polat

Prof. Dr. Ayça Polat is a Professor of Social Work in the Context of Societal Diversity at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences' Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD (2005) and habilitation (2022) from Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, specializing in migration, racism critique, and social inclusion. Previously served as Integration Officer for the City of Oldenburg (2008–2015) and as professor at Kiel University of Applied Sciences (2015–2022).

Her research focuses on intersectionality, migration policies, urban citizenship, health literacy among marginalized groups, and anti-racist social work practices. Key projects include BMBF-funded health literacy initiatives and municipal integration strategies analysis. She co-edited major textbooks on migration and social work, including Migration und Soziale Arbeit (2017) and Alltagsrassismus (forthcoming).

Active in policy advising through roles like member of the editorial board for Migration und Soziale Arbeit journal and participation in pan-European social work education collaborations with universities in Antwerp and Malmö.