Who is Who in VHB ProDok
Meet the lecturers of the VHB ProDok programme
Lena Knappert is a professor and the head of the Institute for Gender and Diversity in Organizations at WU Vienna. Her research examines inequalities, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace from contextual, critical, cross-actor, and cross-level perspectives. Together with Renate Ortlieb, she offers the ProDok course Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Research.
What fascinates you about gender, diversity and inclusion research?
I am fascinated by how research on gender, diversity and inclusion helps to understand why opportunities are unequally distributed, and how organisations can be made fairer. This field also has the potential to contribute to greater social justice and inclusion, both within and beyond organisations.
What challenges and opportunities do you think early-career researchers face?
Science demands a lot of flexibility and perseverance. High publication pressure and often precarious employment conditions encourage competition. I hope that reforms to the system will gain momentum, enabling young researchers to seize opportunities to shape topics together and contribute to social change.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by conversations with colleagues and students, but also by unexpected encounters, books and artworks that open up new perspectives. In particular, social developments and real challenges in organisations give me important ideas for research and teaching.
And what else?
Yoga and meditation are my constant companions, helping me to relax and stay in touch with myself. Spending time with my children is also very important to me, even if it is usually less quiet but rather full of life.
Who is Who - About this campaign
The VHB ProDok speakers are characterised by their research strength, internationally recognised expertise and a high level of professional commitment. Most of them have been involved in the ProDok programme for many years. As part of the Who's Who campaign, they not only provide insights into their personal motivation in short interviews, but also into what you can expect as a participant in their courses.
The campaign wants to show: VHB ProDok is more than just a course programme. It is a network of committed academics from the entire DACH region and beyond, for whom sound research, methodological quality and collegial exchange are important.