Magdalena Sacha

Dr Magdalena Sacha is an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Culture Studies, Division of Culture Studies within the Faculty of Languages at the University of Gdańsk. She also serves as Head of the Division of Culture Studies. Her academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to cultural studies, museum studies, and borderland research. She maintains an active presence in international academic circles and has established herself as a leading expert on Polish-German cultural relations, particularly regarding the historical territories of Prussia and the Kashubian region.

Education:

• 1992-1993: Germanic and Netherlandic Philology, University of Warsaw
• 1993-1998: Polish Philology, University of Gdańsk (Master's thesis under Prof. Jerzy Sampa)
• 1996-2000: Germanic Philology, KKNJO University of Gdańsk (Bachelor's thesis under mgr Angeliki Fuks)
• 1999-2004: Doctoral studies in Literary Studies, University of Gdańsk (Doctoral thesis under Prof. Michał Błażejewski)
• 1998-1999: European volunteer year in Weimar, Germany
• 2018-2019: Postgraduate studies at University of Jena - Exhibing Contemporary History
• 2003-2004: Higher School of Tourism in Gdańsk - organization and management in hotel and tourism
• 2012-2013: Higher School of Banking in Gdańsk - scientific research project management

Dr Sacha's research interests focus on regional studies of Warmia, Masuria, Pomerania and Silesia; museum studies with emphasis on regional, ethnographic and historical aspects; cultural borderlands, especially historical Polish-German borders; WWII heritage including concentration camps and Holocaust studies; memory sites and historical heritage in cultural practice; and the role and ethos of women in patriarchal societies, particularly in Prussian contexts. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary cultural practices, examining how historical narratives shape current regional identities.

Her extensive publication record reveals consistent focus on Polish-German borderland studies, with particular attention to museum representation of contested histories. The publications demonstrate evolution from early work on Masurian literature to sophisticated analyses of museum practices regarding 'lost homelands' and memory politics. Recent work shows increased attention to women's educational history and the representation of religious minorities in museum contexts, reflecting broader trends in cultural studies toward intersectional analysis of memory and identity.

Scientific Awards:

• 2000: Award from W. Kętrzyński Scientific Research Center in Olsztyn for master's thesis
• 2005: Award from Ministry of National Education and Sports for doctoral thesis on WWII memory
• 2005: Distinction in Fondation Auschwitz competition (Brussels) for doctoral thesis
• 2012: Medal of the Commission of National Education for teaching activity
• 2022: Individual Award of the Rector of University of Gdańsk for bilingual publication on women's education
• 2023: Scholarship of the Marshal of Pomeranian Voivodeship for literary work
• 2023: Goethe-Institut Scholarship for translator residency in Dresden

Dr Sacha has supervised numerous academic projects and participated extensively in international research collaborations. She has been actively involved in developing museum exhibitions and cultural heritage projects, particularly those addressing Polish-German historical relations. Her work with the Kashubian Institute and various museum institutions demonstrates commitment to community-engaged scholarship. She has received significant funding for projects examining the Polish-German border (1920-1939), cultural memory practices, and regional heritage preservation.

Dr Sacha is deeply involved with several research communities and cultural institutions. She serves as President of the Tri-City branch of the Polish Evangelical Society, is a member of the Polish Cultural Studies Society, and participates in the Historische Kommission für Ost- und Westpreußische Landesforschung. Her work with the Kashubian Institute and various museum councils demonstrates her commitment to bridging academic research with practical cultural heritage management. She frequently collaborates with German institutions through ICOM and other international frameworks, fostering transnational dialogue about contested histories.