Dr. Elisabeth Ansel
Dr. Elisabeth Ansel conducted research at the Chair of History of Art at TUD and served as acting Deputy Head of Chair during the 2024–25 winter semester. In her research, she combines art with history and politics, with a particular focus on examining the complex functions and effects of art within social and political contexts. For her, the fascination with art history lies in engaging with visual cultures: from images, sculptures, and performances to advertising and film. Her research is characterized by a critical perspective: art history is viewed not merely as a study of aesthetics, but as part of the construction of reality. In her visual studies research, she explores power structures, gender issues, and postcolonial contexts.
It wasn’t just her work as a Research Associate after completing her studies that motivated Ansel to pursue an academic career. Her interest in engaging deeply with images and art history, as well as her enjoyment of research and of interacting with students and scholars, ultimately led her to a career in academia. Another driving force for her was the desire not only to generate knowledge but also to communicate it to the wider world. After all, scholarship thrives on exchange and does not arise in isolation at a desk.
Key moments in her academic career included study abroad stints in the U.S., Australia, and Ireland, which had a lasting impact on her professional development. Receiving the Dresden Cultural Foundation’s Dissertation Award in 2022 and the TUD’s Teaching Award for Diversity-Sensitive Teaching in 2025 also encouraged her to continue teaching and conducting research.
Although Dr. Ansel mostly experienced challenges in the academic environment due to her gender in subtle ways, they were nonetheless palpable. In a male-dominated discipline, a particular challenge lay in developing her own perspectives and making her voice heard.
In dealing with these challenges, she focused on the content of her work and her own competencies, drawing self-confidence from her expertise. Support networks and exchanges with other women were particularly essential in this regard. Networks where similar experiences were shared also gave Dr. Ansel a sense of solidarity and strengthened her resolve to continue on her path.
Furthermore, role models played an important role for Dr. Ansel. She emphasizes that they are particularly important for young female researchers. Role models demonstrate that an academic career is possible and, through their example, boost the self-confidence of others. In art history in particular, she was inspired by self-assured female and queer figures.
Dr. Ansel offers clear advice to young women aspiring to a career in academia:“Be passionate about your own topic and don’t let yourself be deterred.” It is important, she says, to find your own voice, build networks, and seek out people who offer support. Obstacles should be viewed as challenges to be overcome. However, it is particularly important to stand up against gender stereotypes and remain true to oneself.
Looking to the future, Dr. Ansel hopes that women in academia will be just as naturally and visibly represented as men. They should be able to help shape academic discourse without fear, and it should be possible to live out different life paths as a matter of course, without personal decisions determining how they are perceived as scholars.
Dr. Ansel encourages women to contribute their perspectives and to confidently make their voices heard in academic discourse. At the same time, she believes that academic institutions have a responsibility to seriously promote this diversity. Empowerment and visibility play a central role in this—for a scientific community that is equitable and inclusive.