Erol Yildiz

Erol Yildiz is a full Professor at the Institute of Educational Science, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck. He holds a prominent role as Dean of the Faculty since 2021 and previously served as Director of the Institute (2017–2021). He is also Spokesperson of the Research Center for Migration & Globalization and a substitute member of the University Senate. His academic work is deeply rooted in migration studies, urban education, and post-migrant societal transformation.

His research interests include Migration and Education, Post-migration, Urbanity, Qualitative Research Methods, and Transcultural Studies. He critically examines the shift from integration paradigms to post-migrant realities, focusing on everyday conviviality, diversity-sensitive education, and the role of migration as a resource in urban development. His work challenges hegemonic narratives and promotes a counterpoint knowledge production.

His recent publications and lectures (up to 2024) show a consistent focus on post-migrant thinking, digital religiosity among Muslim youth, social cohesion, and political subjectification in diverse societies. Themes of conviviality, resistance, and ethical urban life recur across his articles, reflecting a coherent and evolving research agenda centered on redefining belonging and identity in globalized, pluralistic societies.

Prof. Yildiz is actively involved in academic service, serving on editorial and scientific advisory boards of journals such as Journal for Educational Migration Research, Journal for Diversity Research and Management, and Sub/urban. Journal for Critical Urban Studies. He is a member of the German Sociological Association, German Society for Educational Science, and the Council for Migration (Berlin).

He has advised on diversity policy, served on juries (e.g., Diversity Prize, Innsbruck), and contributed expert reviews for major funding bodies including the German Research Foundation (DFG), Austrian Academy of Sciences, and Swiss National Science Foundation. His leadership extends beyond academia into public discourse through lectures, policy input, and media engagement on migration, education, and urban life.

He leads the 'Faces of Migration' research project, engaging youth in exploring their family migration histories. This initiative exemplifies his commitment to participatory, diversity-aware educational practices. His work bridges academic research with societal impact, fostering inclusive narratives in education and urban policy.