Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences

The Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences promotes innovative, excellent, problem-oriented research that aspires to contribute to societal debates and address key global challenges.

The cohorts trained and supported by the ViDSS are part of a vibrant research environment and international networks. The ViDSS encompasses and fosters connections between a broad range of disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives. The ViDSS embraces the entire range of epistemological, methodological and theoretical approaches that are employed at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Doctoral candidates receive research training and write a doctoral thesis in the fields of communication, demography, development studies, nursing science, political science, science and technology studies, social and cultural anthropology, and sociology. The ViDSS aims for the highest standards in doctoral training and close supervision to ensure a mastery of social scientific debates and relevant theories and methods. As a result, ViDSS graduates are highly employable both within and outside academia.

News

In memory of our colleague Cornelia Staritz

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our cherished colleague Cornelia Staritz on 3 July 2025. Professor Staritz was part of ViDSS since its inception and her many contributions to the running of the doctoral school were pivotal in shaping its direction and profile.

Media articles and press releases

Why climate protection needs new political structures

A recent publication by ViDSS Student Gabriel Eyselein (co-authored with Ulrich Brand, Daniel Hausknost, Alina Brad, Mathias Krams, Danyal Maneka, Melanie Pichler and Etienne Schneider) argues that what is needed for climate protection are new state structures that focus more on reducing energy consumption, social justice and democratic participation than on economic growth.

Media articles and press releases

Between activism and diversity in journalism

A study by ViDSS Student Kim Löhmann examines the role perception of journalistic actors operating on the periphery of the journalistic field who focus on promoting diversity in journalism. The findings show that these actors use their understanding of the journalistic role and the institution of journalism itself as a boundary marker to differentiate themselves from more traditional media.

Fellowship and award winners

Theodor Körner Förderpreis and Kurt-Rothschild-Preis for Christina Siegert

Sociologist and ViDSS Alumna Christina Siegert was awarded the Theodor Körner Förderpreis and the Kurt-Rothschild-Preis for her doctoral thesis “Poverty risk within couples across the family life course”. Her work sheds light on income inequality and the risk of poverty among heterosexual couples. Congratulations!

Fellowship and award winners

Marietta Blau Grant: Research stays in Canada and Australia

Political scientist Stella Louise Wolter was awarded a Marietta Blau Grant for her upcoming research stays at the Toronto Metropolitan University and the School of Social Sciences at Monash University. Stella’s doctoral research addresses the experiences, well-being, and needs of migrant children. Congratulations!

Radio and podcast

Episode 19 – Library and data in the 21st century

Felix Maile and Dorota Vargová provide insights into their experiences with archives and data bases. Learn about the extraordinary lengths they had to go to chase primary sources, which ethical questions they have to deal with and why they are not using any AI tools for their analyses.

Media articles and press releases

From Vienna to Malaysia: Analysing the Blue Revolution

ViDSS Student David Buchwinkler (development studies) reports on Malaysia’s aquacultures for the Rudolphina series “Road Trip”. David spent almost five months in Sabah, Malaysia’s northernmost state, to analyse the ecological and social impact of the shrimp farms established there in 2010.

Fellowship and award winners

Kyoon Hur Dissertation Award for Ruta Kaskelviciute

ViDSS Alumna Ruta Kaskelviciute was awarded the Kyoon Hur Dissertation Award by the Mass Communication Division of the International Communication Association for her doctoral thesis “Perceptions and effects of mediated terrorism: An intergroup approach”. Congratulations!

Media articles and press releases

Victims, heroes, perpetrators – Italians’ perceptions of WWII history

Italy’s involvement in WWII is contentious and complex and so are the stories created around it, which have been instrumentalised for various political purposes over time. A study by ViDSS Student Marta Vukovic (co-authored with Susanna Bastaroli and Sylvia Kritzinger) investigates Italians’ perception of Italy’s Fascist past and role in WWII on an individual level.