Director of the Institute of Sociology at University of WrocÅaw, Poland š
Dr. habil. Elżbieta Joanna OpiÅowska is an accomplished sociologist and academic leader. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor in Sociology and Director of the Institute of Sociology at the University of WrocÅaw, where she also heads the Center for Regional and Borderlands Studies. She holds a habilitation in Sociology from the University of WrocÅaw and a Ph.D. from the European University Viadrina. Dr. OpiÅowska has extensive experience in cross-border studies, European integration, and regional development, especially focusing on the dynamics of borders and migration. She has held various academic positions, including lecturer roles funded by prestigious foundations, and has participated in numerous European research projects. She is also an expert for EU-funded programs and has received multiple Rectorās Awards for her academic excellence. Her leadership in border studies and regional sociology makes her a distinguished figure in her field.
Profile
Orcid
Scopus
Education š
Dr. OpiÅowska’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in European studies, languages, and sociology. She obtained her Master’s degree in German Philology from Maria Curie-SkÅodowska University in Lublin in 2000. In 2003, she completed a second Master’s in European Studies from Leipzig University. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Sociology at the European University Viadrina, Frankfurt/Oder in 2008, where she began focusing on borderland studies and European integration. In 2017, she was awarded her habilitation in Sociology from the University of WrocÅaw. Her multidisciplinary education and expertise have enabled her to bridge linguistic, cultural, and political studies, leading to her pivotal role in examining cross-border dynamics, migration, and regional development. Dr. OpiÅowskaās educational background underpins her research contributions in European sociology and regional studies.
Experience š¢
Dr. OpiÅowska has a wealth of experience across academia, research leadership, and international collaborations. Since 2015, she has been the Head of the Centre for Regional and Border Studies at the University of WrocÅaw, and from 2018, she became an Associate Professor in Sociology. Her academic career also includes a variety of prestigious roles, such as being a Robert Bosch Foundation lecturer at the University of Leipzig and holding positions in the Willy Brandt Centre for German and European Studies. Between 2009-2012, she led the European Academy and coordinated the āKreisau Fellowsā programme at the Kreisau Foundation. Dr. OpiÅowska has supervised doctoral candidates, contributing significantly to early-career researchers. She is a reviewer for multiple academic journals and holds memberships in several scientific advisory boards. Her experience extends to guest research positions at renowned institutions, further enhancing her international network and expertise in border and regional studies.
Research Interests š¬
Dr. OpiÅowskaās research focuses on the sociological dynamics of borders, migration, and regional development, particularly in Central Europe. Her work explores how borders shape perceptions of identity, integration, and social cohesion within European societies. A key area of interest is the impact of cross-border studies cooperation and migration in the context of EU external border policies, Europeanization, and local adaptation. Dr. OpiÅowska has extensively studied the effects of regionalization in Poland, the evolution of Polish-German relations, and the challenges posed by socio-political transitions in divided cities and border regions. Her research is interdisciplinary, drawing from sociology, political science, and European studies. She has led several major projects, including B-SHAPES, LYMAS, and (De/Re)Constructing Borders, and is currently focused on the resilience of cross-border cooperation and the role of young migrants in ageing societies. Her scholarship is integral to understanding the evolving social fabric in border regions.
Awards š
Dr. Elżbieta OpiÅowska has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her academic career. She has received multiple Rectorās Awards for scientific achievements at the University of WrocÅaw from 2009 to 2022, demonstrating her continuous contributions to academic excellence. Her work in border studies and European sociology has earned her international recognition, resulting in guest research stays and professorships at renowned institutions such as the European University Viadrina and the University of Luxembourg. She has also been awarded the DAAD Guest Research Professorship and various research fellowships, further highlighting her expertise in cross-border studies and regional studies. Dr. OpiÅowskaās significant role in research projects funded by organizations such as the Horizon Europe Program and the Volkswagen Foundation underlines her scholarly reputation. Her sustained excellence in research, coupled with leadership roles in the academic community, speaks to her dedication and influence in the field.
Publications š
1. Comparative report on border discourses in minority media
2.Ā Progress report on borderlanders’ perceptions of European societies
3. Study report on borders shaping borderlanders’ perceptions of Europe and the European project
4. The role of minority media in shaping narratives on borders and Europe
Conclusion š
Based on Dr. OpiÅowska’s comprehensive academic background, exceptional research focus, significant leadership in sociology and border studies, and consistent recognition in the academic community, she is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Awards.” Her innovative approach to understanding complex border dynamics and regional cooperation, as well as her commitment to interdisciplinary research, underscores her excellence in the field. Dr. OpiÅowska’s work not only advances academic knowledge but also has profound implications for European social and political issues, making her an ideal candidate for this prestigious recognition.