Rate Professor Sonja Van Wichelen

Professional Summary: Professor Sonja Van Wichelen

Professor Sonja Van Wichelen is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a robust profile in sociology, anthropology, and gender studies. Her interdisciplinary research and international recognition make her a leading voice in critical social theory, particularly in areas concerning globalization, migration, and reproductive technologies.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Van Wichelen holds advanced degrees in sociology and anthropology, reflecting her deep engagement with interdisciplinary approaches:

• PhD in Sociology and Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research focuses on the intersections of globalization, migration, and biopolitics, with specific attention to:

• Reproductive technologies and bioethics
• Migration, citizenship, and transnational adoption
• Gender, religion, and secularism in global contexts
• Legal and cultural dimensions of family and kinship

Career History and Appointments

Professor Van Wichelen has held several prestigious academic positions across international institutions:

• Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Sydney, Australia (current)
• Senior Researcher, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Australia
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Cultural Sociology, Yale University, USA
• Research Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her work has been recognized through competitive fellowships and grants, including:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship for research on globalization and reproductive technologies
• Visiting Fellowships at prestigious institutions such as Yale University and the National University of Singapore

Key Publications

Professor Van Wichelen has authored and contributed to numerous impactful publications. Some of her notable works include:

• Legitimating Life: Adoption in the Age of Globalization and Biotechnology (2019) – A critical exploration of transnational adoption and reproductive technologies.
• Religion, Gender and the Public Sphere (2013, co-edited) – An examination of the role of religion and gender in public life.
• Various peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Social Studies of Science, Theory, Culture & Society, and International Feminist Journal of Politics on topics ranging from bioethics to migration.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Van Wichelen’s work has significantly shaped contemporary debates in sociology and anthropology, particularly around the ethical and cultural implications of biotechnology and migration. Her research on transnational adoption and reproductive technologies has informed policy discussions and academic discourse, bridging theoretical and applied perspectives. Her interdisciplinary approach has fostered dialogue across fields such as gender studies, legal sociology, and global studies.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

She is actively engaged in the academic community through various roles:

• Delivered keynote addresses and public lectures at international conferences on topics like biopolitics and globalization.
• Serves on editorial boards of academic journals focusing on sociology, gender, and cultural studies.
• Contributes to university committees and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in academia.