Irmtraud Fischer

Prof. Irmtraud Fischer holds a doctorate in theology from the University of Graz and an honorary doctorate in philosophy from Justus Liebig University Giessen. She has served as Professor of Old Testament Biblical Studies at the Catholic Theological Faculty of Graz (2004-2022) and held leadership roles including Vice Rector for Research at Karl-Franzens University (2007-2011). Her academic work bridges biblical exegesis with cultural history and gender studies.

Her research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to biblical texts, exploring intersections of theology, gender, and socio-religious practices across antiquity and modernity. She leads major projects like the 22-volume encyclopedia "The Bible and Women" and participates in research networks like "Heterogeneity and cohesion Gender" at the University of Graz.

Scientific accolades include:

• Gabriele Possanner Award for Gender Studies lifetime achievement (2022)
• Honorary doctorate from Giessen (2017)
• Styrian State Research Prize (2007)
• Bad Herrenalb Academy Prize (2003)

She contributes to academic governance as member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Vienna's Catholic Theological Faculty, and has held editorial roles for journals like Biblical Interpretation and Concilium. Her public engagement includes founding the "Uni im Theater" lecture series.