The BIK’s research on the two world wars examines historical contexts and interactions, governmental structures, and political systems, with a particular focus on their long-term consequences. Special attention is given to the human dimension of these conflicts and their enduring consequences: childhood during wartime and the postwar period, the experiences of children as witnesses and victims of violence, and the intergenerational effects of war. Our work examines factors that shape living conditions, socialization, and memory, including the descendants of Allied soldiers and local women after World War II, as well as the history of the “Lebensborn” program. Another focus is forced migration: The wars triggered large-scale refugee movements, expulsions, and exile, which had lasting effects on individuals, communities, and host societies. The Institute examines these processes in the context of the world wars and their aftermath, addressing both historical cases—such as expulsions during and after the wars—and later refugee movements, including those from Ukraine since 2022. We also examine the transfer of knowledge by refugees and gender-specific aspects of forced migration.

By integrating these perspectives, the “World Wars” program track examines the full range of political, social, and cultural impacts of these conflicts and sheds light on their lasting effects on today’s society. Within this program track, the following areas are explored, with the topics of “forced migration” and “childhood” in particular overlapping with the “Cold War” program track: Culture and indoctrination, contaminated heritage and memory, health and war trauma, Austrian exiles and resistance, and—in overlap with the “Cold War” program track—forced migration and childhood.

Current FWF Research Project:

• Encampment in der sowjetischen Besatzungszone Österreichs

Further Research Projects:

• Österreichische Flüchtlinge in den britischen Armee im Zweiten Weltkrieg 
• Dissertationsprojekt: Die Napolas der “Ostmark”
• Die Montanuniversität Leoben und der Nationalsozialismus 1938-1945
• Kunst und Kultur hinter Stacheldraht. Kriegsgefangenenlager in Niederösterreich
• Museum of Survivors
• Fürsorge als Instrument der „Rassenhygiene“. Die NSV-Jugendheimstätte Dornbirn, 1938-1945
• Kontaminiertes Erbe der Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft
• Die Polizei in Österreich: Brüche und Kontinuitäten 1938-1945
• Ausstellung „Kinder des Krieges – Aufwachsen zwischen 1938 und 1955“
• Österreicher in der US-Armee im Zweiten Weltkrieg (Phase 1)
• Das „Austrian Battalion“ der US-Armee
• Die Unbekannten: Österreichische Exilanten als Kommandosoldaten der Britischen Streitkräfte

Completed Projects