Simone Gretler Heusser

Simone Gretler Heusser is a Lecturer and Project Manager at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), Department of Social Work. She leads the Competence Centre for Community and Participation and co-heads the Interdisciplinary Cluster on Digital Transformation of the Working World. Her roles include academic teaching, project coordination, and policy-related research. She holds a Master of Public Health (1996) and a Licentiate in Social Anthropology, Sociology, and State Law (1992) from Swiss universities.

Her research focuses on demographic change, aging societies, plural societies, and community development. Key projects include age-friendly urban planning (e.g., Luzern’s age-friendly neighborhoods), intergenerational projects, and digital transformation’s societal impacts. She has published widely on gerontology, social policy, and participatory methods, emphasizing qualitative research and inclusive practices.

• Education: Master of Public Health (1996), Licentiate in Social Anthropology (1992)
• Key Projects: Age-friendly quartiers, digital transformation studies, community development initiatives
• Leadership Roles: Head of Competence Centre Generations and Society (since 2011), Co-Lead Digital Transformation Cluster

Her work bridges academic research and practical policy, addressing societal challenges like aging populations, inclusion, and urban planning. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations and public engagement initiatives.