Birgit Behrensen

Prof. Dr. Birgit Behrensen serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology for Social Work at the Institute of Social Work, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg since March 2017. Her academic leadership encompasses sociological research and teaching with a focus on critical social issues.

Education:

• Diploma in Social Science (Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Education) from University of Osnabrück (1996)
• Doctorate in Sociology summa cum laude from University of Osnabrück (2004) on National Socialist legacy in German identity

Research Interests: Prof. Behrensen specializes in migration studies with emphasis on refugee integration and migrant women's professional trajectories. Her work bridges gender studies and social inequality analysis, particularly examining how historical legacies like National Socialism shape contemporary social work practices. She investigates health disparities among asylum seekers and develops frameworks for inclusive social services through projects like EQUAL development partnerships.

Professional Engagement: She co-initiated the MIKOWA research platform on migration and social conflict, serves on Faculty Council 4, and contributes to the International Advisory Board. As liaison counselor for the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, she supports student development while advising on BA/MA theses in social work contexts.

Research Infrastructure: Prof. Behrensen leads the Sociology for Social Work team and collaborates with networks including the Council for Migration, German Sociological Society (DGS), and European Sociological Association (ESA). Her completed projects like MIKOWA and SAGA demonstrate sustained commitment to evidence-based social work interventions.