Sandro Cattacin

Sandro Cattacin is a full Professor of Sociology at the University of Geneva and Director of the Cross-border Observatory on Social Inequalities in Health. His academic career spans over three decades with significant leadership roles including Founding Director of the Institute for Sociological Research (2013-2021) and former Director of the Sociology Department (2006-2010).

His research focuses on:

• Urban sociology and social movements
• Migration history and policy analysis
• Comparative welfare state systems
• Social innovation in urban contexts
• Pandemic impacts on vulnerable populations

His work integrates historical, economic, and organizational perspectives to examine social change.

Cattacin serves on multiple national and international academic boards including the Swiss National Board of Caring Communities (since 2023) and Addiction Suisse (since 2012). His teaching encompasses Urban Studies, Social Theory, Migration Studies, and Social Policy Evaluation across bachelor and master sociology programs.

Current academic engagements include:

• Co-editor of Chôra book series (Seismo-Verlag)
• Deputy President of Think Tank Penser la Suisse (since 2025)
• President of Fonds Wernaers advisory council
• Member of Prix LeCorbusier Selection Commission

His professional activities demonstrate deep commitment to applied sociology through organizations like Première Ligne (harm reduction) and Aspasie-Geneva (sex worker advocacy), reflecting his focus on social inclusion and vulnerability.