New Junior Professor for Digitalization and Sustainable Business Practices at the University of Koblenz

In her research, Kirchner-Krath deals with the question of how two major megatrends of our time - digitalisation and sustainability, often referred to as the "twin transformation" - can be implemented together and responsibly in companies. This brings together research perspectives from sustainability management, business informatics and psychology, as people are at the centre of this transformation. "We can only succeed in this if the people who are to implement the changes are committed to driving them forward," explains Kirchner-Krath.

A central concern of her research is the design, perception and impact of new digital technologies on sustainability aspects in companies. Among other things, she investigates what innovative human-technology interactions can look like - for example through motivational design or co-creativity with artificial intelligence. She also analyses how digital technologies influence everyday working life and what effects they have on factors such as environmentally friendly behaviour or mental health.

Her goal in teaching is to provide students with a critical understanding of the complex economic, ecological and social challenges of digitalisation. She is involved in the development of new courses and modules as well as in the conception of a new key study area "Digital Business Management and Sustainability".

In addition to her research and teaching, Kirchner-Krath would like to be involved in the further development of the University of Koblenz. "Sustainability is a central pillar of the university development plan. With my perspective on the interplay between digitalisation and sustainability, I would like to contribute to further promoting interdisciplinary initiatives in research and teaching and anchoring sustainability as a cross-cutting topic at the university," she explains.

In her free time, Kirchner-Krath enjoys the nature around Koblenz - whether it's hiking, cycling or an evening stroll through the vineyards. She also enjoys an ice cream in the old town centre in summer.