Denis Gerstorf

Prof. Dr. Denis Gerstorf is a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and holds adjunct positions at The Pennsylvania State University and the International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course. He leads the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II) and is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. His research focuses on lifespan development, contextual influences on aging, and the interplay between individual trajectories and historical/societal contexts.

• Education: PhD (summa cum laude, 2004) and Diploma in Psychology from Freie Universität Berlin.
• Key Roles: Chairperson of BASE-II, Department Head of Psychology at Humboldt University (2014–2016), and Co-Speaker of the PhD Program on Self-Regulation Dynamics.

Research Interests: Individual differences in aging, historical cohort effects, dyadic interrelations in aging, and the systemic-wholistic approach to lifespan development. His work bridges psychological, sociological, and economic perspectives, emphasizing contextual and systemic influences on adult development.

Awards: Richard Kalish Award (2020), Baltes Foundation Early Career Award (2011), and Springer Achievement Award (2010). He has edited multiple special issues in journals like Psychology and Aging and Gerontology.

Grants & Service: Reviewer for DFG, NIH, and international funding bodies. Served on editorial boards for Psychology and Aging, Gerontology, and others. Active in academic governance at Humboldt University and international aging networks.