Arbeits- und Forschungsschwerpunkte
Work and research focus
Elisabeth Unterfrauner is Head of the ‘Technology&Knowledge’ unit and Senior Researcher at ZSI. She is an expert in Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), science-society relations, and participatory methods in research and innovation processes. Since joining ZSI in 2007, she has held various roles, including serving on the Advisory Board, the Ethics Board, and acting as Occupational Health Representative.
Elisabeth has been actively involved in numerous national and European research and innovation projects, particularly under the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe frameworks. She has coordinated and contributed to projects addressing topics such as energy transition, science-society relations, education, the maker movement, and public engagement in R&I. Her work consistently bridges research and practice, embedding societal values into science and innovation.
Beyond her research, Elisabeth is actively engaged in capacity-building and training. She has lectured at the University of Vienna and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU Vienna), as well as in postgraduate programs such as the SOQUA course for emerging social scientists.
Driven by a strong commitment to socially inclusive innovation, Elisabeth contributes to cultivating a research and innovation culture that is reflective, responsive, and responsible.
Education and career
Education and training
- Doctoral Studies (2008-2011) at the Lifelong Learning Kolleg, University of Klagenfurt, completed with distinction. Dissertation title: “Mobile Learning Based Intervention – A Case Study Among Marginalised Young People’
- Postgraduate degree in Clinical and Health Psychology (2005-2008), registered on the official list of Clinical and Health Psychologists by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health (12/02/2009)
- Certificate ‘DIN 33430′ (2005): Requirements for proficiency assessment procedures and their use’
- Master’s degree in Psychology (1997-2004), University of Vienna, completed with distinction, with a specialisation on learning psychology and psychological assessment
Further trainings (selected):
- Leading researchers programme by Ludwig Boltzman Gesellschaft (2024-2025)
- Trainings in moderation, facilitation, design thinking, artificial intelligence, leadership, conflict negotiations, organizational culture and health, among others.
Functions and Positions
- 2021-2025: Head of Unit ‘Technology & Knowledge’, ZSI
- 2016-2025: Member of ZSI Ethics Committee, ZSI
- 2009-2011: Member of Advisory Board, ZSI
- Since 2007: Researcher and Project Manager, ZSI
- 2022-23: Lecturer, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
- 2004-2013: Lecturer, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna
- 2005-2007: Case Manager, Berufsdiagnostik Austria (BDA) – Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (BBRZ)
- 2005-2006: Member of project team ‘Lifelong learning’, funded by the University Fund of the Chamber of Commerce
- 2004-2007: Research collaboration with Dr. Sindelar: Evaluation of training and psychometric assessment
- 2004-2005 Psychologist at the Testing and Counseling Centre, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna
