With Dr Dani Kranz, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) has secured the services of an internationally renowned academic specialising in diversity, migration, social inequality and contemporary Jewish studies as an honorary professor for the Faculty of Society and Economics.
On 24 September, Professor Dr Locker-Grütjen, President of the HSRW, presented Dr Dani Kranz with her certificate of appointment. “With this honorary professorship, we are honouring a scholar who combines research, international perspectives and knowledge transfer to society in an outstanding manner. Dr Dani Kranz also embodies a form of scholarship that is mindful of its social responsibility and actively seeks dialogue with the political sphere, civil society and the general public,” explains Prof. Dr Locker-Grütjen.
Dr Kranz has a special relationship with the HSRW that has developed over many years. Even during her previous professorship at the university, she was closely involved in academic work. She has continued this connection on an ongoing basis even after stepping down from her professorship. As an external adviser, reviewer and supervisor of final-year dissertations, she has remained closely linked to the Faculty of Society and Economics.
A distinctive feature of Dr Kranz’s academic work is the integration of research and knowledge transfer. She regularly contributes her academic expertise to social and political debates and collaborates with both government and civil society actors. Among other things, she is a member of the advisory panel to the Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight against Anti-Semitism. In addition, she cooperates with foundations, advises museums and non-governmental organisations, and is actively involved in academic and social networks.
As the founder and president of a network for contemporary Jewish studies, and as the director of a research institute, Dr Kranz makes a significant contribution to bridging the gap between academia and practice. Her academic and public engagement makes an important contribution to the debate on current social issues – in particular anti-Semitism, migration, diversity and the culture of remembrance.
Dr Kranz’s international academic networking is also a key component of her academic profile. Professorships and research stays have taken her to Israel, Mexico and the UK, amongst other places. Added to this are her wide-ranging activities within international academic networks. This international perspective is particularly well suited to the university’s profile. “Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences thrives on its international orientation and on people who bring together different academic and societal perspectives. Dr Dani Kranz embodies this connection in a special way. Her international research perspective, her long-standing association with our university and her commitment to knowledge transfer are a great asset to the Faculty of Society and Economics and to the university as a whole,” said Prof. Dr Locker-Grütjen.
The award of the honorary professorship is intended to further strengthen the long-standing collaboration between Dr Kranz and HSRW. The university anticipates, in particular, valuable contributions to teaching, research, academic exchange and knowledge transfer. Students in the Faculty of Society and Economics are set to benefit directly from Dr Kranz’s academic and international expertise, as well as her extensive experience at the interface between academia and practice.
