Claudia Neu

Prof. Dr. Claudia Neu is a Professor of Rural Sociology at the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development (Georg-August-University Göttingen) and the Department of Rural Sociology (University of Kassel). Her work focuses on demographic change, civil society, and public services in rural areas.

• Deputy Chair, Expert Council on Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection (2016–2019)
• Member, Working Group "More Security with Security?", Hamburg Academy of Sciences (2016–)
• Scientific Advisory Board, German Volunteer Survey (2012–2016)
• Commission "Art for the Village - Villages for Art", German Foundation for Cultural Landscapes (2009, 2012)

Her research examines how demographic shifts impact rural democracy and social cohesion, emphasizing equitable living conditions and participatory governance. Recent analyses link rural loneliness to populist susceptibility and declining institutional trust. Publications include studies on regional services of public interest and structural policy investments.

She contributes to public discourse through media engagements (ARD Audio Library, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung) and policy statements, notably advocating for EU rural development funding independent of agricultural policy. Legal victories highlight her commitment to academic freedom.