Susanne Ursula Elsen

Susanne Ursula Elsen is a Professor of Applied Social Sciences at the Faculty of Education, University of Bozen-Bolzano. Her work bridges social pedagogy, sociology, and sustainable development, with a focus on ecological-social transformation, solidarity economy, and community-based approaches to health, agriculture, and refugee integration. She has contributed to policy development in labor markets and regional planning through research and teaching roles since 1999.

• Education: Studied Social Pedagogy, Educational Science, Sociology, and Economics; earned a PhD at the University of Trier and a Habilitation at the Technische University of Dresden.

Research Interests:

• Participatory and transformative research methodologies
• Sustainable tourism and regional development
• Community-based labor market policies
• Interdisciplinary work in social economy and ecological transitions

Awards and Recognition: Received an award for practical-relevant science in urban planning and housing. Her expertise informs training programs for German ministries.