Ruth Katharina Ditlmann

Ruth Katharina Ditlmann is a Senior Researcher at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center with extensive experience in migration, integration, and intergroup conflict research. Her work focuses on psychological mechanisms underlying intercultural relations, national identity, and policy interventions.

Education:

• PhD student, Yale University Social Psychology Department (2007-2012)
• MPhil/MS, Yale University (2007-2009)
• Diplom Psychologie, Universität Konstanz (2001-2007)
• DAAD Scholar, Yale University (2004-2005)

Her research examines migration integration through experimental and field studies, exploring contact theory, discrimination mechanisms, and identity formation. Recent publications demonstrate methodological diversity including large-scale field experiments, behavioral studies, and policy analysis across multiple countries.

Publications reflect strong emphasis on intergroup dynamics, with recurring themes of discrimination reduction, identity negotiation, and policy evaluation. Recent work shows increasing focus on local governance interventions and mixed-method approaches to conflict resolution.

She has led multiple research projects including 'Naturalization of Immigrants: Obstacles and Opportunities in German Municipalities' and 'German Public Opinion and the Refugee Crisis', funded by Princeton University and WZB respectively.

Teaching includes courses on Experimental Psychology at Touro College Berlin and Psychology for Policy Analysis at Hertie School of Governance, connecting research with practical applications.