Katarzyna Kajdanek

Dr. Katarzyna Kajdanek is an Associate Professor at the Department of Urban and Rural Sociology, University of Wrocław. She holds leadership roles including Deputy Chairperson of the Council for Sociological Sciences, Head of the Sociology College in the Doctoral School, and Erasmus+ Programme Coordinator. She is a board member of ESA’s Urban Sociology Network (RN37) and active in the Polish Sociological Association (PTS). Her research focuses on urban-rural dynamics, civic engagement, and socio-spatial transformations.

Her academic career includes scholarships for outstanding researchers (2017-2020) and leadership in funded projects like 'Reviving rural areas?' (2018-2021) and 'Return from suburbs to cities' (2019-2020). She publishes in top journals such as *City&Society* and *Applied Geography*, addressing topics like pandemic-induced urban migration, mountainous region development, and urban identity commercialization. She also edited *City and Power* (2017) and serves on the editorial board of *Sociological Studies*.

• Key Projects: OPUS Grant on rural revival (2018-2021), MINIATURA3 suburban migration study (2019-2020)
• Professional Roles: Doctoral College Head, Erasmus+ Coordinator, ESA Network Leadership

Her work bridges urban sociology with policy research, analyzing how spatial changes affect social structures and vice versa. Current interests include post-pandemic urban-rural linkages and participatory urban planning strategies.