Origin Story of CERI
The University of Graz aims to strengthen its commitment to socially relevant issues in the coming years. The establishment of the Faculty Center for Empirical Research in Inclusion will enhance the focus on inclusion in both teacher education and research, giving the topic of inclusion at the University of Graz greater significance and visibility. This is a necessary step, particularly in light of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations, 2006). In recent years, several major projects in the field of inclusion research have been realised at the University of Graz. One of these was the project "Establishment of a Research Center for Inclusive Education" (FZIB), which has received substantial initial funding from the BMBWF from 2020 to 2024. FZIB is still a collaboration between the University of Graz, PPH Augustinum, and PH Styria.
To continue strengthening and further developing inclusion research in an open format for cross-institutional collaboration after the project's conclusion of “Establishment of a Research Center for inclusive Education”, the establishment of the Faculty Center was an important step.
The Faculty Center for Empirical Research in Inclusion is also continuing to work on the development of the “Digital Lab for Inclusion”, a space for research and experimentation for schools and universities that develops innovative teaching methods and tools to support inclusive and differentiated teaching.
Change in the Management of CERI
Professor Barbara Gasteiger, PhD, retired in October 2026 after 25 years of successful work promoting inclusion in Munich, Weingarten and Graz – a well-established team is taking over the leadership
Through her tireless commitment to the cause of inclusion, Barbara Gasteiger-Klicpera has made a significant contribution to strengthening inclusive educational processes, providing them with a sound academic foundation and embedding them sustainably in teaching and research at the university, as well as in school practice and public discourse.
Under her leadership, the cross-university FZIB (Research Centre for Inclusive Education – FZIB) was initially established in Graz, followed in October 2024 by the faculty-based CERI (Centre for Empirical Inclusion Research – CERI) have developed into nationally and internationally recognised and networked centres for research into issues of inclusive pedagogy, educational equity and the participation of all people – regardless of individual circumstances, backgrounds or disabilities.
Professor Gasteiger-Klicpera remains committed to the cause of inclusive education even after her departure and will initially continue to contribute her expertise as project leader on two international externally funded projects, as well as sharing her expertise in various professional development courses.
Following the departure of Barbara Gasteiger-Klicpera, who had already agreed to establish a research centre back in 2010 upon her appointment to Graz, the leadership of CERI remains in capable hands:
- Professor Lisa Paleczek, PhD, previously Deputy Director, will in future take on responsibility for the operational and strategic management of CERI. Professor Lisa Paleczek has already established herself within CERI and the AB Inclusive Education department at the University of Graz as a competent and dedicated expert and will consistently pursue the centre’s key areas of focus – in particular the further development of inclusive teaching and learning concepts.
- Senior Scientist Franziska Reitegger, PhD, complements the new leadership team with her proven expertise in research and development in the field of inclusive education. Through her many years of academic work and numerous research projects, she is making a significant contribution to further strengthening CERI’s international networking and evidence-based approach.
The handover has been deliberately structured as a seamless transition: the new leadership team is building on the successful work of Prof. Gasteiger-Klicpera and will continue to lead key projects, collaborations and research initiatives.
With the handover to Prof. Lisa Paleczek and Franziska Reitegger, CERI is sending a clear signal: the themes of inclusion, educational equity and participation remain central guiding principles for its future work – scientifically sound, practice-oriented and socially effective.
