Prof. Dr. Lena Knappert appointed as Professor and Head of the Institute for Gender and Diversity in Organizations

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.”

The institute for Gender and Diversity in Organizations

Establishing the Institute for Gender and Diversity in Organizations in 2002 marked a milestone for research and higher education. Making questions of gender and diversity an integral part of its research and teaching agenda, WU Vienna is a role model within the international scientific community. Central to the Institute’s research and teaching activities are organizations and diversity as well as their complex social contexts.

Rooted in critical and emancipatory epistemologies, both our research and teaching is guided by enhancing social justice and inclusion. In establishing cross-, inter- and trans-disciplinary perspectives on gender and diversity in organizations, the researchers at the Institute aim at forming a critical research and teaching field, both nationally as well as internationally. In addition to our scientific activities, our aim is to contribute to socio-political discussions and the exchange of knowledge related to issues of diversity in organizations on a broader scale.