Andrea Katharina Pilgerstorfer
Professor
Contact:
- email: andrea.pilgerstorfer@ustp.at
University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten
Social Sciences
Social Sciences
Highest degree:
Doctorate
Degree name:
Social Work and Social Pedagogy
Area of expertise:
Social sciences
Skills:
Current international project: “Involvement of experts by experience in the education system for students of professionally oriented bachelor's degree programs in social work”
This project aims to promote the systematic involvement of experts by experience (EBE) in social work education at the bachelor’s level. By integrating individuals with lived experience of mental illness or social disadvantage into teaching, the initiative seeks to enrich learning, foster empathy, and reduce stigma among future professionals. The research will map current practices and institutional readiness, analyse benefits and challenges, and develop practical recommendations for sustainable implementation. Conducted across six European institutions, the study combines surveys, focus groups, and SWOT analysis, and will produce a final report, a peer-reviewed article, and guidelines for higher education institutions. (College of Polytechnics Jihlava, University of Girona, University of Sarajevo, University of Applied Sciences Leuven, University of Florence)
This project aims to promote the systematic involvement of experts by experience (EBE) in social work education at the bachelor’s level. By integrating individuals with lived experience of mental illness or social disadvantage into teaching, the initiative seeks to enrich learning, foster empathy, and reduce stigma among future professionals. The research will map current practices and institutional readiness, analyse benefits and challenges, and develop practical recommendations for sustainable implementation. Conducted across six European institutions, the study combines surveys, focus groups, and SWOT analysis, and will produce a final report, a peer-reviewed article, and guidelines for higher education institutions. (College of Polytechnics Jihlava, University of Girona, University of Sarajevo, University of Applied Sciences Leuven, University of Florence)
E3UDRES2 Areas of interest:
Health, Wellbeing and Social Inclusion for Regions