Ruth Müller

Prof. Dr. Ruth Müller is an Associate Professor of Science & Technology Policy at TUM, holding co-appointments in the Munich Center for Technology in Society (MCTS), TUM School of Life Sciences, and TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. Her research focuses on the intersection of science policy, academic knowledge cultures, and the epistemology of life sciences. She earned a molecular biology M.Sc. (2007) and a PhD in STS (2012) from the University of Vienna, followed by postdoctoral roles at institutions including Lund University and UC Santa Cruz.

• Education:
  • Molecular Biology M.Sc., University of Vienna (2000–2007)
  • PhD in Science & Technology Studies, University of Vienna (2007–2012)
• Research Interests:
  • Academic career dynamics and evaluation practices
  • Biosocial aspects of epigenetics and environmental toxicology
  • Gender and diversity in scientific work cultures
  • Responsible innovation in AI and biotechnology

Her awards include the Marie Curie Co-Fund Fellowship (2014) and the Doc.Award for outstanding doctoral research (2012). She leads projects on AI ethics in healthcare, neurotechnology, and societal engagement with emerging technologies. Her work critiques the acceleration culture in academia and advocates for equity-driven science governance.

Current grants include funding from DFG, BMBF, and EU Horizon 2020. She advises on the societal impacts of CRISPR, microplastics, and gene editing in agriculture. Her teaching focuses on STS methodologies and ethical frameworks for technological innovation.