Steffi Sachse

Steffi Sachse is a full Professor of Developmental Psychology with a focus on language development at Heidelberg University of Education. She trains prospective special education teachers in psychology and diagnostics, leads the FELBI study program, and has held leadership roles in multiple longitudinal studies (DACHS, PFAU, SPATS) addressing language support for multilingual children and literacy acquisition. Her work bridges academic research with practical implementation in daycare centers and schools.

• Professor, Heidelberg University of Education (2013–present)
• Research Group Leader, 'Language and Literacy Acquisition' (2006–2013)

Research Priorities: Early detection of language development delays, multilingualism promotion, emergent literacy, and linguistic interaction behavior. Her projects focus on evaluating language support programs, developing diagnostic tools for preschool children, and enhancing educator training through evidence-based interventions.

Selected Publications: Key studies include the 2012 evaluation of Hessian preparatory course programs, the 2008 dyslexia prevention work, and recent contributions to diagnostic competence frameworks (DiaCoM) using cognitive modeling and Bayesian reasoning.

Scientific Awards:

• 2010–2013: Margarete von Wrangell Habilitation Scholarship
• 2009–2011: Robert Bosch Foundation Research College Fellowship
• 2008: Stefan Engel Prize for dissertation

Professional Contributions: She moderates an interdisciplinary language disorders forum since 2012, serves on GISKID and DGPs, and consults on Bavarian language screening validation. Her work emphasizes collaboration between daycare centers and schools to improve multilingual outcomes.