As of February 1, 2025, Prof. Dr. Sandra Cortesi has taken up her new position at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where she leads the newly established Professorship for Participation and Diversity in Digital Societies. Her academic journey began at the University of Basel with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in General Psychology and Methodology. She earned her PhD in Psychology there in 2021. Most recently, she worked as a senior academic and teaching staff member at the Institute of Communication and Media Research (IKMZ) at the University of Zurich. Before that, she spent many years as a Fellow and Director of the Youth and Media project at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. Since 2024, she remains affiliated with the Center as a Faculty Associate.
For many years, the PhD psychologist has been advising governments around the world and has been active in various renowned international organizations and bodies, including the Global Network of Internet & Society Research Centers, UNICEF, UNESCO, the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Council of Europe, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Dear Professor Cortesi, what motivated your decision to move to TUM after 15 years at Harvard – with a stopover at the University of Zurich?
“What excites me about TUM is its clear ambition to shape the future! I was fascinated by how consistently research, innovation, and societal responsibility are interwoven here. After Harvard and the University of Zurich, both of which are strongly shaped by the humanities and social sciences, it was particularly appealing to contribute at a leading technical university. The interdisciplinary focus at TUM opens up new possibilities – especially for exploring the interplay between technology and society. Here, I can not only help shape things but also build something truly new together with others.”
What makes working at a technical university special for you?
“I’m a psychologist, and at the heart of my work is the human being – and the question of how we can shape healthy societies. At the same time, we live in an era in which technological developments – from social media to generative AI – are profoundly transforming our lives. At a technical university like TUM, I’ve found exactly the environment needed for this: scientific excellence in technology, combined with openness to interdisciplinary collaboration. Here, I can not only better understand technological developments but also build bridges – for example, between the social sciences, engineering, and medicine. This closeness to technology and the willingness to cooperate open up new ways to tackle societal challenges together.”
What does the appointment to TUM mean to you – especially in your role as head of the newly established professorship?
“First and foremost, it’s a great honor and joy. But what truly moved me was not just the appointment itself. In every conversation I had with TUM’s leadership team, I felt: here, excellence is not only valued, but actively enabled. I was given the sense that my work with and for young people – addressing issues such as participation, well-being, digital skills, and how to navigate emerging technologies and creativity – is not only welcomed at TUM but actively supported. The openness to applied, interdisciplinary, and participatory research was decisive for me. I feel that, together with colleagues and students, I can really make a difference here.”
You’ve been working at the department for half a year now. How have the first few months been?
“My start at TUM has been a wonderful mix of many new things and a real sense of arriving. I was warmly welcomed and felt well supported from the beginning. In the first few months, I focused primarily on teaching – an area very close to my heart and one I pursue with great enthusiasm. At the same time, I was involved in co-leading an exciting bridging project at the School of Social Sciences and Technology: Frontiers in Digital Child Safety. The project explores how we can shape the well-being and safety of young people in digital spaces with a future-oriented approach – a challenge that requires input from many disciplines. The report we worked on was completed in June.”
You mentioned you enjoy teaching. How are you involved in teaching, and which courses do you offer?
“My courses are open to students from all Schools. Currently, I offer modules for master’s students and doctoral candidates.
The module Children, Well-Being and Digital Technologies explores youth in the digital age – from global connectivity and new forms of learning to questions of well-being, work, and friendship – and how digital innovations, especially AI, shape their lives. We combine theory and practice and develop ideas for our own research projects together with the students in workshops.
In the module Lost in Translation? Transforming Research Into Policy and Practice, we examine how research can have real societal impact. Students learn how to gather, communicate, and prepare scientific findings – and how to discuss them with relevant stakeholders – in a way that can influence policy decisions and practical implementation.”
Do these topics align with your research interests as well?
“Yes, absolutely. My research focuses on three interconnected perspectives: specific communities, diverse technologies, and thematic priorities.
First, I study the lived realities of certain groups – often young people, but also other communities that are underrepresented in research and public discourse, such as women, people with migration backgrounds, or Indigenous groups. Second, I examine digital technologies – particularly social media and generative AI. Depending on the research question, I also include new and emerging technologies to better understand their significance for different target groups. Third, I explore overarching thematic areas, with a particular focus on well-being: How can technology strengthen individual and collective well-being? Related topics also play an important role – such as interpersonal relationships, digital skills, creativity, or the future of work.
Methodologically, I work in a participatory way: young people are involved in all phases – from developing research questions to analysis. The goal is to co-create knowledge that can have an impact – in science, policy, and society. My network of partners is correspondingly broad: from civil society organizations to start-ups, big tech, and policy makers.”
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your work at the department?
“I’m very excited that my team is now coming together – with a research associate and three doctoral students, we’re currently laying the groundwork for two new initiatives: a Youth and Media Lab and a Creativity Lab in collaboration with the TUM Think Tank. In this initial phase, the focus is on defining thematic priorities and exploring potential partnerships within and beyond TUM. A first collaboration of the Creativity Lab has already started with the Lenbachhaus – through joint workshops on the theme of Happy Places. At the same time, we’re supporting a new nationally representative study on AI use in Switzerland. What I find particularly exciting is the question of how the relationship between humans and technology is changing – and how we can study and help shape this transformation scientifically and socially.”
A final question: how do you find balance outside of work? Do you play sports – and if so, which ones?
“My sport is more of the ‘mind sports’ variety (laughs). I used to be an avid swimmer – maybe I’ll dare to get back into the pool soon. Otherwise, I’m more creatively inclined – I enjoy art, painting, crafting, and have lots of plants… But to be honest: I haven’t yet found the breakthrough idea for my long-term fitness plan. So I’m looking forward to some inspiration – and maybe even a gentle push or two – from Health and Sport Sciences!”
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Sandra Cortesi
Rudolf Mössbauer Assistant Professor for Participation and Diversity in Digital Societies
TUM Campus im Olympiapark
Am Olympiacampus 11
80809 München, Germany
e-mail: sandra.cortesi(at)tum.de
Text: Jasmin Schol
Photo: private