Prof. Lena Knappert succeeds the previous director, Prof. Marie-Therese Claes, who had led the institute with great dedication. Building on this strong foundation, Lena Knappert brings extensive expertise in the field of (in)equality, diversity, and inclusion in organizations. Under her leadership, the institute will continue to strengthen its role as a hub for critical, impactful research and as a space for collaboration between academia, organizations, and society.

“I am truly honoured to lead this institute, a place known for its critical and emancipatory approaches and for its strong position in research and teaching that advance social justice and inclusion in and beyond organizations.

From my very first interactions here, it has been clear that what sets us apart is not only the quality of our research and teaching, but also the people who make up this institute—colleagues, students, and partners whose dedication and creativity make this place so special. Together, we have the privilege and responsibility of shaping ideas that matter, both within academia and in close collaboration with organizations.

Looking forward, my vision is to strengthen our position as a European hotspot for cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and meaningful impact in Gender and Diversity in Organizations. In this current time of polarization and backlash, we need scientific evidence and well-prepared practitioners more than ever. We will also continue to push boundaries within our field, opening new avenues of inquiry that address the pressing challenges of our time. Our teaching will be deeply connected to this research, equipping students not only with knowledge but with the curiosity and confidence to create impact in a rapidly changing world. Sustainable partnerships will allow us to bring research-based insights into practice, learn from real-world challenges, and amplify our collective impact for more inclusive workplaces and communities.

I look forward to continuing this journey together—with curiosity, courage, and a shared commitment.

Women* creating knowledge –  35 years of women's work at WU 
Detailed Program for the Event "Women* creating knowledge –  35 years of women's work at WU"

 

November 18, 2025, 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a get-together with music and culinary delights 

Vienna University of Economics and Business, Forum (LC), Ballroom 2 (LC), and Gallery (LC) 

Register until November 10, 2025 at FDWS-organisation@wu.ac.at 

Presentation of the book project with hands-on workshops and a concluding discussion round.  

Dr. Christine Mattl will guide you through the interactive programme, which will be accompanied by contributions from Yasmo, among others. 

12 noon                    Get together 

12.30 pm                Welcome and opening remarks by Assoc.Prof. Regine Bendl and Prof. Martin Winner (Vice Rector) 

12.45 pm                A look at the book – taking stock of 35 years of women's work at WU. 
In conversation with the editors Assoc.Prof. Regine Bendl, Mag. Charlotte Khan (Chairwomen Equal Opportunities Committee WU)
and Assoc.Prof. Angelika Schmidt  

*** Break ***

2.30 p.m.                Where should women's work go in the future?  
 

Parallel workshops: 

1. Slow Science – Prof. Franzisca Weder / Ass.Prof. Julia Stranzl (in English) 

2. Inclusive organizations – Mag. Sonja Lydtin, Gender and Diversity Policy Office WU (in German) 

3. The Third Space concept as an opportunity?! Women at the interface of administration and science – Julia Krupka / Dr. Renate Buber (in German)

4. Career development in the age of internationalization and mobility requirements –  Dr. Andrea Tschirf (in German) 

*** Break ***

5:00 p.m.                Panel discussion ‘The future of (female) scientists – (female) scientists of the future’ The results of the workshops will be discussed with 

• Prof. Rupert Sausgruber (Rector of WU) 

• Prof.Emerita Renate Rathmayr (first female professor at WU) 

• Prof. Tina Wakolbinger (long-standing chair of the Senate at WU) 

• Ass.Prof. Jelena Cerar (Schaumayer Prize Winner 2023) 

• Representatives from the workshops 

6.30 p.m.                 Closing ceremony and celebration with a DJ-Duo 

The event will be held primarily in German. English contributions are also planned and welcome. 

This is a great opportunity to get involved, network and celebrate with us. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Online Talk
November 21, 2025
6:00–7:00 PM (CET)
Online via Zoom

Zoom Access:
Meeting ID: 640 4021 5836
Passcode: 506296

Guest Speaker

Professor Emeritus Edwina Pio
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), awarded by King Charles III for service to ethnic communities
Recipient of the Te Rangi Hiroa Medal, Duke of Edinburgh Fellowship, and Fulbright alumna
New Zealand’s first Professor of Diversity, Associate Fellow at Oxford University, and lecturer for Cambridge University’s Demystifying Diversity program.
Her global research explores intersections of faith, migration, and ageing.

Talk Title:

The Enigma of Silence: Toxic Violence and Migrant Women of Colour

Intersectional inequality, migration, gender, and ageing — loaded words encompassing awe, beauty, and unthinkable violence. In the fissures and cracks of our lives, are we bystanders or upstanders, nudging the system toward courageous everyday solutions?

Drawing on her experience as a woman scholar of colour and activist, Professor Pio explores the hidden realities of elder abuse, domestic violence, and the silences that both enslave and protect. She invites us to confront this “enigma of silence” — to move beyond neutrality toward a stance that is receptive, assertive, gracious, and audacious, one that brings hope and action to dismantle the toxicity surrounding many migrant women of colour.