Education
Doctorate, BOKU-University, Vietnna, Austria, 2005
MSc in agriculture (major in animal production), BOKU-University, Vienna, Austria, 1999

Awards/Special Recognition

• science2business Award of Austrian Ministry for Economic Affairs (2019)

Teaching Responsibilities
GLOBE 4020. Responses to Global Resource Systems Challenges (capstone)

Global Engagement
Dr. Maria Wurzinger is a dedicated researcher with over 20 years of experience in promoting smallholder livestock production in the Global South. Specializing in community-based breeding programs, she has helped transform this approach from a niche concept into an internationally recognized model, enhancing food security and livelihoods for farming families.

Her research primarily focuses on Latin America, as well as East and West Africa, with additional studies conducted in the Middle East and Asia. She is particularly interested in small ruminants, cattle, and also works with South American camelids and guinea pigs.

Passionate about interdisciplinary work, Dr. Wurzinger integrates both social and natural sciences to better understand farmers’ perceptions, ensuring the sustainable implementation of breeding programs. With a strong network of Universitites, NGOs, and international bodies like FAO and IAEA, she has contributed to numerous research projects on sustainable management of different livestock species.

Dr. Wurzinger also has an extensive teaching background, delivering lectures in German, English, and Spanish.