Center for Transdisciplinary Continuing Education Research

Dr.ⁱⁿ Martina Diedrich is an outstanding expert in the field of educational administration, whose work is guided by a transdisciplinary research approach. Her visiting professorship at the University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK) within the Faculty of Education, Art and Architecture, in the Department of Continuing Education Research and Educational Technologies at the Centre for Transdisciplinary Continuing Education Research, aims to support relevant research-led teaching and to enrich Austrian university-level continuing education practice, as well as to facilitate exchange and mutual learning within the German-speaking world. This is achieved through flexible, innovative formats—such as real-world laboratories and design-based approaches—which professionalise scientific thinking. The visiting professorship also serves to foster deeper engagement with the Austrian academic continuing education landscape and its professional development practices, with a view to supporting existing networks and strategically expanding them through international research. A particular focus of the visiting professorship lies in the research-led professionalisation of staff in school education administration and educational management. The emphasis is on the sustainable development of scientifically grounded thinking, with the aim of equipping decision-makers in education administration as effectively as possible for evidence-based, innovative and sustainable development processes in the education sector, and strengthening them in their role as intermediaries between educational research and educational practice. To this end, a dedicated symposium will take place on Friday 4 December 2026 (hybrid). Invitations will be extended on an inter-faculty basis (particularly from Evidence-Based Health Services Research and Healthcare Management) and across disciplines (particularly to alumni; school heads; education authorities; and representatives from educational research and policy across the life course).

Dr. Serap Sevimli-Celik is an experienced teacher educator and researcher. She has taught courses on play pedagogy, creativity in early childhood, physical education and outdoor education. Her research explores the role of play in promoting creativity, problem solving and holistic development, focusing on preschoolers' design skills, nature-based learning and attitudes towards risky play. She has contributed book chapters on playfulness, active design and transcultural perspectives.

The Center for Transdisciplinary Continuing Education Research will work with her on questions concerning the “origins” and consolidation of sustainable learning throughout the lifespan, beginning with children's playtime. The aim is to draw conclusions about transformative forms of teaching and learning in adult education and to expand continuing education research.