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Dr Dorothee Hölscher is a Lecturer in Social Work in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at The University of Queensland. She is a qualitative researcher whose work focuses on social justice, social inclusion, and participatory approaches with young people and communities in contexts of (forced) migration and cultural diversity. Her research examines how structural inequalities, xenophobia, and race-based discrimination shape everyday experiences, and explores practical, sustainable, and structural responses that support inclusion and well-being at community, institutional, and policy levels. Her methodological expertise lies in community- and art-based participatory research, informed by grounded theory and critical discourse analysis.

Dorothee completed her social work training in Germany and South Africa, including a Master of Social Science (cum laude) and a PhD (by publication). Prior to entering academia, she worked in refugee and migrant support, community development, and child protection, experiences that continue to inform her research and educational practice. Currently, Dorothee teaches across the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work (Qualifying) programmes, coordinating theory-focused courses on power, structure, and agency (SWSP1012) and lifespan development, culture, and disability (SWSP7044). Her teaching places a strong emphasis on participatory and critical pedagogies that prepare students for ethical and socially just practice.

Dorothee is the Deputy Chair of a UQ Human Research Ethics Committee and Co-Editor of Ethics & Social Welfare. Having held previous academic appointments in South Africa, Dorothee maintains these important international links through her role as a Research Associate with the Department of Social Work and Criminology at the University of Pretoria.