Diana Betzler

PhD

photo

 diana.betzler@unifr.ch
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2470-921X

TOPICS

Social cohesion and the development of community

The digital transformation of the public sphere and civic participation

Impact assessment of social and cultural programmes

Governance and transformation processes in politics and civil society

METHODS

Standardised surveys and statistical data analysis

Interviews and qualitative content analysis

Mixed-methods approaches

Senior Researcher
Institute for Management of Associations, Foundations and other Nonprofit Organizations

Biography

I am conducting research for the Mobiliar Centre for Resilience on the following interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects: ‘The Making of Solidarity – Social and Digital Networks in Neighbourhoods’ (2025–2026) and ‘Resilience in Organisations, Work and Society – The Role of Professional Associations’ (2026–2028).

I studied political science and public administration at the University of Konstanz, obtained my PhD in economics and social sciences at the University of Freiburg, and have over 20 years’ experience in research and teaching at colleges and universities both in Germany and abroad. I regularly speak in public and publish in internationally recognised academic journals.

My current research interests focus on social cohesion, community building and societal resilience in the context of the digital transformation. In addition, I conduct research on political governance as well as issues relating to art and cultural production, funding and professionalisation.

Alongside my research work, I head SparksNet GmbH, an agency dedicated to fostering good social cohesion. Through impact assessments, sector studies and project consultancy, I have been supporting transformation processes in politics, public administration and civil society for many years.

Research and publications