Prof. Dr. Annette Franke has been appointed professor of social work and health in the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences at Hochschule RheinMain (HSRM) as of October 1, 2024. Professor Franke began her academic career at the Ruhr University Bochum, where she received a degree in social sciences in 2005. In 2011, she completed her doctorate at the Technical University of Dortmund, where she researched and held lectures from 2007 to 2011. From 2014 to 2024, Annette Franke was professor of health sciences, social gerontology and methods and concepts of social work at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg. She also held academic staff positions at the University of Heidelberg and the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main researching in the field of aging. Her non-university stations include the Center for Women in Career and Technology in Castrop-Rauxel and the Düsseldorf City Museum.

What aspect of your research fascinates you the most?

I am fascinated by the possibility of researching disease, health and well-being in a holistic understanding of age and aging, and its development throughout life. In addition, there are new topics that present us with new questions, such as digitalization or climate change and the impact they have on health and on health-related social work professionals. How do health changes and long-term consequences manifest themselves over a person’s lifetime? What options does digitalization offer in the healthcare sector? What consequences does climate change have on people’s mental health? How can we promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen people’s resilience and how can social work contribute in settings such as local authorities, workplaces or daycare centers? The overlap between health and social work is highly interdisciplinary and requires the collaboration of different disciplines, approaches and methods. I find it very exciting to see how research- and application-based interventions can contribute to all generations and recipients of social work to lead a dignified and self-determined life and to have an impact on an individual, political and societal level. That is very meaningful.

What does “good teaching” mean to you?

For me, good teaching means being able to adapt my enthusiasm for a subject matter to my target audience and to pass that spirit on to my students. This requires a co-constructive collaboration and a transparent feedback culture. I am always pleased to see students who initially have little interest in topics such as health and aging become more and more interested as the semester progresses. I want my teaching to be a space of resonance where students acquire not only knowledge and skills, but also self-efficacy, personal development and communication skills, and where we learn from each other. This also means that they feel connected to the university and are involved in various initiatives. It also allows for critical discussion, as the goal is to create an environment of creative solutions and individual points of view. For me, it is important to combine theoretical knowledge with real-life cases to show students how relevant what they are learning is to society. I also think it’s important to think outside the box. We require transdisciplinary and international perspectives to solve the global challenges we face. Given my focus on health, I encourage my students, who will be future social workers and role models, to lead healthy lifestyles, consider sustainability and stress management, and strengthen their health literacy.

What did you want to be growing up?

When I was little, I wanted to become a career counselor. My mother worked in career counseling at the employment agency and I used to play office in our kitchen with my toy phone and pretend to advise others on how to open an ice cream shop. In retrospect, the aspect that I have taken away from that childhood wish is wanting to help people discover their talents and find their way in life. I was a tutor at university, and as the first person in my family to go to university, I know the feeling of university being terra incognita. As a professor here, I have the privilege and opportunity to support students in their personal and professional development and to accompany them on their way.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

As I sit a lot at work, I like to move a lot in my free time. I regularly go running, swimming or ice skating. Long walks or hikes, Pilates and a little yoga help me clear my head and stay in the moment. I started bouldering in January, trying to keep up with my nine-year-old son. Spending time with family and friends is essential for me to maintain a healthy work-life balance and stay grounded in other topics – from soccer trading cards to Harry Potter trivia. I also love good movies, documentaries and reading. Sometimes, I wish I had more time for that. Good food and cooking are a passion of mine that I like to share with my loved ones, whether asked or not. Travel is another way to find balance. One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2025 is to take an overnight train trip to Sweden – including coffee with oat milk and a cinnamon bun for breakfast.