Susanne Gerner

Prof. Dr. phil. Susanne Gerner serves as Professor for Theories and Methods of Social Work at the Evangelical University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt (EHD), where she is also Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the Schwalmstadt-Treysa campus. Her academic career spans over a decade at EHD, following research positions at the University of Siegen and Philipps University Marburg.

• Doctorate from Philipps University Marburg (2010): 'Migration, Separation and Transformation: Biographical Educational and Family Change Processes in the Context of Migration, Divorce and Adolescence'
• Dipl. Pedagogy from Philipps University Marburg (1993-1997)
• Study of Social Work at Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg (1990-1992)

Prof. Gerner's research focuses on difference, diversity and inclusion, with particular emphasis on gender relations in social work, participation and exclusion in disability contexts, and familial transformation processes in migration societies. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in social work, employing reconstructive social and gender research methodologies. She has developed expertise in deep hermeneutic analysis to explore complex social phenomena, particularly at the intersections of gender, migration, and disability.

Her recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory examining marginalized perspectives - from women and girls with disabilities to fathers in the penal system. These works demonstrate her commitment to participatory research approaches that center the voices of often unheard populations. Her scholarship increasingly addresses intersectional vulnerabilities, exploring how gender, disability, and migration status compound to create unique challenges for social inclusion.

• Doctoral scholarship holder of the Hans Böckler Foundation (2003-2009)
• Liaison lecturer of the Hans Böckler Foundation
• Member of the jury for the Henriette Fürth Prize (Young Researcher Prize)

Prof. Gerner has secured multiple research grants from the Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts, as well as collaborations with municipal governments and social service organizations. Her current projects include 'Parenting – Subjective Interpretations of Fatherhood in the Context of Deprivation of Liberty' and previous work on 'Living Situation and Participation of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Marburg.' She actively engages in science-practice transfer, developing practical tools for social workers while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Her research collaborations span multiple institutions including Hannover University of Applied Sciences, University of Siegen, and international partners in Leiden, Netherlands. She maintains strong connections with local social services through projects with the Schwalm-Eder district social administration and Marburg's Equal Opportunities Office.