Dirk Richter

Professor Dirk Richter is a Professor of Educational Research at the Department of Educational Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Germany, where he has been employed since April 2016. His academic career includes previous positions as Junior Professor at the University of Wuppertal (2015-2016) and Visiting Professor at the University of Erfurt (2013-2014), along with significant research experience at the Institute for Quality Development in Education and the Max Planck Institute for Human Development.

Professor Richter's research program addresses critical challenges in contemporary education through multiple interconnected strands:

• Teacher collaboration and professional networks
• Evidence-based professional development for teachers
• Career changers and lateral entrants into teaching
• Qualification pathways for refugee teachers
• Informal learning processes among educators
• Virtual reality applications in teacher education

His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on methodologically rigorous research that bridges academic inquiry with practical educational applications. Recent work (2023-2025) shows increasing emphasis on digital technologies in teacher education, particularly virtual reality applications, and responses to teacher shortages through innovative qualification pathways.

Professor Richter serves in several important leadership roles:

• Chair of the Examination Board for Educational Sciences in Secondary Education
• Chairman of the Continuing Education Working Group of ZeLB
• Member of the scientific advisory board 'School' of the Brandenburg Ministry of Education
• Member of the scientific advisory board for School Quality in Berlin-Brandenburg
• Jury member for the German School Prize
• Co-head of the networking center for digital learning and teaching
• Co-editor of the Journal for Educational Science

His work bridges educational research and practice through active involvement in major research initiatives including Chancen-Verbund, SchuMaS, SYNERGIE, and Virtuelles Klassenzimmer. Professor Richter's research has significant implications for educational policy and practice, particularly in addressing teacher shortages and improving the quality of professional development for educators across diverse educational contexts.