Heike Wendt | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Heike Wendt, Graz University, Austria

Prof. Dr. Heike Wendt is a distinguished scholar in empirical education research, currently a Full Professor at Graz University, Austria. She has led and contributed to numerous international projects, shaping teacher education and educational policy across Europe and beyond. With a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences from TU Dortmund University (2012, High Distinction), she has held prestigious positions, including Head of the Institute for Education Research & Teacher Education (2022-2024) and Deputy Head of the Institute for Professional Development in Education (2020-2022). Her research focuses on educational equity, teacher development, and comparative education, securing significant funding from Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, DAAD, and other institutions. Prof. Wendt has published extensively, addressing pressing issues in education, migration, and social cohesion. Recognized for her contributions, she continues to drive impactful research in education policy and practice.

Publication Profile

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Education

Prof. Dr. Heike Wendt has an outstanding academic background in educational sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Sciences from TU Dortmund University, Germany, in 2012 with high distinction. Prior to this, she completed her “Diplom” degree, equivalent to a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s, in Educational Sciences from the University of Hamburg (BA) and TU Dortmund University (MA) in 2011, also with high distinction. Her academic training provided her with expertise in empirical research methodologies, teacher education, and comparative education systems. Proficient in multiple languages, including German (native), English (C2), and Albanian (A2), she actively participates in global educational research. Her education laid a strong foundation for her career, enabling her to contribute significantly to educational reform, policy development, and international collaborations. 🎓📖

Experience

Prof. Dr. Heike Wendt has an extensive academic career spanning multiple prestigious institutions. Since 2019, she has been a Full Professor at Graz University, Austria. Previously, she served as the Head of the Institute for Education Research & Teacher Education (2022-2024) and Deputy Head of the Institute for Professional Development in Education (2020-2022). She was also an Acting Professor at Oldenburg University, Germany (2018-2019), and the University of Erfurt (2013). From 2013 to 2018 and briefly in 2019, she worked as an Assistant Professor at TU Dortmund University. She has also lectured at universities in Graz, Oldenburg, Vechta, Duhok, and Mosul, teaching topics such as empirical educational research, international education systems, and diversity in learning. With her leadership in international projects and policy development, Prof. Wendt has made a profound impact on teacher education and research worldwide.

Awards & Honors

Prof. Dr. Heike Wendt has received multiple prestigious awards and recognitions for her contributions to education research. Her groundbreaking work in empirical education research, teacher education, and international cooperation has been recognized by organizations such as the European Union, the Austrian Development Agency, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). She has secured competitive research grants, including funding from Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and the Austrian Development Cooperation. Her projects on educational equity, teacher professionalization, and social cohesion have received international acclaim. Prof. Wendt has been invited as a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences and has served as a consultant for policy development in education. Her recognition as one of the leading researchers in her field highlights her dedication to improving global education systems and fostering international academic collaboration.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Heike Wendt’s research focuses on empirical education research, with a strong emphasis on teacher professionalization, educational equity, and international comparative studies. Her work explores the intersection of teacher education, social cohesion, and migration, analyzing how educational systems impact diverse student populations. She is particularly interested in the development of effective policies for teacher training, curriculum design, and assessment methodologies. Her projects, funded by major international organizations, examine issues such as social inclusion in schools, educational standards across the EU, and interdisciplinary approaches to minority education. Through her leadership in projects like TED, ValueED, and EduReaKos, she actively contributes to shaping evidence-based education policies. Prof. Wendt employs mixed-method research approaches, including Item-Response Theory and longitudinal studies, to develop innovative strategies for educational improvement. Her research has influenced policy reforms and teacher training programs globally. 📊📖