Iris Thye

Prof. Dr. Iris Thye was a Professor of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (part-time since 1993). Her academic career began with studies in German, Sociology, and History, leading to a PhD in Sociology (summa cum laude) from Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster. She specialized in communication theory, media sociology, and organizational sociology. Her research focused on societal structures, communication systems, and public administration reform.

• Education:
  • 1977–1984: Studies in German, Sociology, and History at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
  • 1997–1999: PhD in Sociology at Münster and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Research Interests: System theory, media sociology, organizational sociology, higher education management, and public communication.

Her notable work Kommunikation und Gesellschaft (2013) analyzes communication systems from a sociological perspective, emphasizing digital media’s societal impact. She contributed to projects like “Kommunale Bildungsplanung” and “Bürokratieabbau” in public administration reform.

Prof. Thye’s academic legacy includes teaching in social sciences, public management, and communication studies, alongside leadership roles in institutional communication and academic policy.