Ursula Athenstaedt

Dr. Ursula Athenstaedt is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Psychology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Graz. She specializes in social psychology with interdisciplinary research spanning gender dynamics, energy citizenship, and social cohesion. Her affiliations include leadership in the university's 'Smart Regulation' profile area and active participation in research networks focused on heterogeneity, human rights, and behavioral science.

Her research explores gender perceptions in interpersonal relationships, socio-linguistic influences on gender representation, and citizen engagement in sustainable energy transitions. Recent publications demonstrate methodological rigor through multi-lab replications and interdisciplinary frameworks integrating psychological, legal, and economic perspectives.

She led the EU-funded project Energy Citizenship and Energy Communities for a Clean-Energy Transition (2021-2024), examining participatory approaches to sustainability. Academic service includes:

• Executive Committee membership for the Social Psychology Section of the German Psychological Society (2007-2011)
• Peer review for 20+ journals including Personality and Individual Differences, Sex Roles, and Psychological Science