Oliver Fehren

Prof. Dr. Oliver Fehren is a Professor for the theory and practice of social work with a focus on community work at the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences in Berlin (ASH Berlin). He has held this position since 2011 and is currently on a research semester until April 2026. His work bridges academic research and practical community development, focusing on how social work can effectively engage with communities and spaces.

His educational background includes a Diploma in Educational Science with a specialization in Social Work/Social Pedagogy from the University of Bielefeld (1999), followed by community work experience in North Rhine-Westphalia (1999-2004). He completed his dissertation titled "Who organizes the community?" (Dr. phil.) in 2008 under Prof. Dr. Dr.hc H.-U. Otto, Faculty of Education, University of Bielefeld, and worked as a Research Associate/Academic Councillor at the Institute for Urban Development, Social Space-Oriented Work and Counselling (ISSAB) at the University of Duisburg-Essen from 2004 to 2011.

• Current position: Professor for theory and practice of social work with focus on community work at ASH Berlin (since 2011)
• Research semester: Until April 2026
• Academic background: Doctorate from University of Bielefeld (2008)
• Professional experience: Community worker (1999-2004), Research Associate (2004-2011)
• Education: Diploma in Educational Science (1999)

Professor Fehren's research primarily focuses on community work and social space orientation. His work explores how community work functions as an intermediary practice, enabling civil society realization and examining financing models for community work. He investigates practical research methods like activating surveys and social space analysis, and studies integrated approaches to action in municipalities, particularly neighborhood management as an organizational structure for developing disadvantaged areas. A recent research interest examines empowerment perspectives for marginalized communities through artificial intelligence, exploring how AI technologies can expand collective action options for marginalized social groups and facilitate access to knowledge and resources.

His publication record shows a consistent focus on community work, social space orientation, and neighborhood management, with numerous articles from 2016 to 2025. His research projects include "Community Spaces – for a democratic everyday culture" (2024-2027), "Gemeinwesenarbeit im deutschsprachigen Raum" (2015-2023), and "Empowerment perspectives for marginalized local communities through the use of artificial intelligence" (2025-2026). His work often involves collaborative research with colleagues like Edi Martin and Maren Schreier.

Professor Fehren is actively involved in the academic community through memberships in the Section Community Work of the DGSA, the Berlin GWA Working Group, and FOCO e.V. He serves as spokesperson for the selection committee for the Master's program in Social Work "Critical Diversity and Community Studies," module coordinator for the MA Social Work KriDiCo program, and chairman of the W Commission at ASH Berlin.

His approach to teaching emphasizes practical application, with notes for theses highlighting the importance of initial topic ideas developed through brainstorming. He requires students to review specific information documents before consultation hours and stresses the importance of understanding AI use guidelines for bachelor's theses. His office is located in Room H 11 at ASH Berlin, and consultation hours must be booked online through a Moodle course.