معرفی
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Julia Eckel is Junior Professor for Film Studies at the Institute of Media Studies, Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Paderborn, and has served as Deputy Managing Director of the institute since October 2023. Her research integrates film theory, animation studies, documentary theory, and media epistemology, with special attention to temporality, anthropocentrism, and digital visualities.
Education & Career:
- PhD (Dr. phil.), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 2018
- MA Media Studies, Ruhr-Universität Bochum & Universität Zürich, 2008
- BA Media Studies & Social Psychology/Anthropology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 2006
- Junior Professor, University of Paderborn, since 2022
- Research & teaching positions at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (2018–2022, 2016–2022, 2008–2009) and Philipps-Universität Marburg (2013–2018)
Research Interests:
Julia Eckel's scholarship focuses on the intersections of animation, documentary, and demonstration within contemporary audiovisual culture. She investigates how temporal complexity and anthropomorphic motifs shape filmic narratives, while also interrogating screencasting practices and the epistemic role of selfies in digital media ecologies.
Her theoretical framework questions anthropocentric assumptions in media theory, exploring how human–media relations are reconfigured through animated and documentary forms. Recent work examines the documentation of digital processes and the ontological status of animated images in the era of artificial intelligence and deep fakes.
Publications & Editorial Work:
Eckel co-edits Rabbit Eye – Journal of Film Research and has co-edited special journal issues on Tech|Demo and Visual Clarity. Her monograph Das Audioviduum is available open access, advancing a media-theoretical account of anthropomorphic figuration in audiovisual media.
Professional Service & Outreach:
- Co-speaker, AG Animation (Society for Media Studies)
- Member, Society for Animation Studies (SAS), Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS), NECS
- Organizer/co-organizer of numerous international workshops and conferences on animation, documentary, and digital media (2024–2010)
- Reviewer for leading journals and funding bodies
Labs & Research Networks:
Eckel co-leads the interdisciplinary DFG research network Animation and Contemporary Media Culture, coordinates an inter-university habilitation colloquium in media cultural studies, and mentors early-career researchers through the Research Academy Ruhr.
