Martina Ritter

Prof. Dr. Martina Ritter is a Professor of Cultural Sociology, Political Sociology, Youth and Gender Sociology at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, where she currently serves as Vice-President for Research and Transfer. Previously, she was Dean of the Department of Social Work from 2007 to 2022 and remains an active member of the Centre of Research for Society and Sustainability (CeSST) and spokesperson for the university in the Research Network for Social Law and Social Policy (FoSS).

Education:

• Studies in Sociology and Philosophy
• Doctorate in Sociology of Technology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
• Habilitation in Sociology, Justus Liebig University Giessen

Research Interests: Professor Ritter's work centers on social work and democracy through qualitative and participatory methodologies, examining age, migration, and gender dynamics in social space appropriation. Her research emphasizes volunteerism, critical social work practices, and community-based applications for inclusive societal development.

Research Projects: She has directed significant initiatives including DIWAN (2018-2022) on immigration society coexistence and BUSLAR (2014-2017) on rural elderly care models, funded by entities such as the Volkswagen Foundation, European Social Fund, and federal-state programs.

Research Affiliations: Member of CeSST and leader of Fulda's involvement in FoSS, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on social policy, sustainability, and transfer initiatives.