The aim is to connect the university with the city of Graz and a wide range of community groups, thereby working together on democratic processes. The forum provides a space for democracy research, exchange, workshops and joint projects designed to make democratic potential in society visible and usable. Of particular note here is the openness to collaboration with associations, neighbourhood groups and other stakeholders, thereby understanding democracy as a ‘work in progress’ and an ongoing process.

Democracy education from an early age

Britta Breser leads an international Erasmus+ project on democracy education in early childhood education (“Antibias education for early childhood teachers: learning through video coaching”). Together with partner institutions from Poland, Belgium, Norway and Spain, she is investigating how democratic attitudes and processes can be fostered as early as in nursery school. Research shows that, compared to other countries, Austria still has some catching up to do, particularly in terms of the professionalisation and further training of educators. The project focuses on workshops and training courses to strengthen democracy-building work before children start school and to constructively support social diversity from the very beginning. The results and the enthusiastic response from practitioners underline the need for and interest in early democracy education.

Media and Democracy

Another focus of Britta Breser’s work is the interplay between media and democracy. She draws on her experience as a journalist and explores the role of media in democratic processes: for example, through events with journalists and media representatives. Particularly at a time when digital media and algorithms are shaping public discourse, a critical engagement with media literacy and democratic participation is of great importance. Breser emphasises that we have all become ‘editors’ and that the university, as a place of exchange and reflection, can contribute to integrating media education and democracy education.

This is also reflected in her teaching. Here, Britta Breser places great emphasis on participatory approaches and encouraging her students. Democracy is not imposed from above, but negotiated together in everyday life. Breser sees herself as a learner and encourages her students to engage actively with controversies and conflicts. She also views democracy education as character development and focuses on resilience, networking and the promotion of critical thinking. Her courses are characterised by openness, an international perspective and a willingness to reflect on the undemocratic as a potential for democracy education.

Brita Breser has been a lecturer at the Institute of History in the Department of History Didactics since 2015. She was also Professor of Democracy Education at the University of Vienna from 2023 to 2026 and Professor of Political Education and Political Didactics at the Private University of Education in Graz from 2013 to 2023. She has undertaken research stays in Switzerland, Canada, Israel and Norway, as well as teaching visits to Belgium and Estonia. 

→ Anyone wishing to learn more about democracy research is welcome to attend the big UniVibes Festival on 29 May 2026, where Britta Breser will be taking part in a “Guided Tour”.