Professor Barbara Gasteiger is retiring after 25 years of successful work promoting inclusion in Munich, Weingarten and Graz – a well-established team is taking over the reins
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 inter-university FZIB (Research Center 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.
Following the departure of Barbara Gasteiger-Klicpera, who had already agreed to the establishment of 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 henceforth assume responsibility for the operational and strategic management of CERI. Professor Lisa Paleczek has already established herself within CERI and the Inclusive Education Unit at the University of Graz as a competent and committed 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 will build on the successful work of Prof. Gasteiger-Klicpera and continue key projects, collaborations and research initiatives.
Prof. 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.
With the handover to Prof. Lisa Paleczek and Franziska Reitegger, CERI is sending a clear message: the themes of inclusion, educational equity and participation remain central guiding principles for future work – scientifically sound, practice-oriented and socially effective.
On 4 November 2026 at 4.00 pm, Prof. Dr. Barbara Gasteiger-Klicpera will deliver her farewell lecture; you are warmly invited! Please register in advance; see the invitation (in german).
