Roman Birke

Dr. Roman Birke is a Research Fellow at the Department for Interdisciplinary and Multiscalar Area Studies (DIMAS) at the University of Regensburg since April 2024. Previously, he held postdoctoral and research positions at institutions such as Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena and the University of Vienna. His affiliations include roles as a Doctoral Fellow and Visiting Scholar at Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University.

Roman Birke holds a PhD in History from the University of Vienna (2018), following a Mag. phil. (M.A.) in History (2013) and a bachelor’s degree from the same institution (2007-2013).

His research focuses on transnational history of the 19th and 20th centuries, with particular emphasis on

• History of human rights,
• global population policies and reproductive rights,
• history of eugenics and genetics,
• gender history,
• persecution of homosexuality under National Socialism,
• colonialism, and
• digital methods in humanities.

His work bridges social, political, and medical history, exploring intersections of human rights advocacy and global governance.

In his recent publications, Birke examines topics such as Nazi-era medical persecution of homosexuals, human rights frameworks in population control movements, and Eleanor Roosevelt’s role in shaping international human rights discourse. His work highlights transnational networks and the interplay between policy, science, and activism in shaping 20th-century global histories.

While no specific advising or grant details are provided, Birke’s active teaching and research collaborations suggest engagement with academic mentorship and funding opportunities in his field.