Celebrating Hilde Himmelweit

As part of LSE’s 130th anniversary programme, this event honours the life and legacy of Hilde Himmelweit (1918–1989), a pioneering refugee scholar and one of the very few women to hold a professorship at LSE in its early history.

Appointed Professor of Social Psychology in 1964, Hilde Himmelweit played a pivotal role in establishing Social Psychology as a recognised field at LSE and made internationally influential contributions to media and communication research. Her landmark study, Television and the Child (1958), the first major empirical investigation of television’s effects in the UK, helped shape debates about media and society for decades to come.

Himmelweit’s remarkable journey, from forced migration to intellectual leadership, offers a unique perspective on the history of LSE, the contributions of refugee scholars, and the achievements of women in Higher Education. Bringing together colleagues, former students, family, and scholars, this event will reflect on her scholarship, leadership, and enduring impact on LSE and beyond.

• Susan Himmelweit, Emerita Professor of Economics at The Open University and the daughter of Hilde Himmelweit. 
• Sandra Jovchelovitch, Professor of Social Psychology in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at LSE. 
• Sonia Livingstone, Professor of Social Psychology in the Department of Media and Communications at LSE. Sonia also directs the Digital Futures for Children Centre at LSE.
• Shani Orgad, Professor of Media and Communications in the Department of Media and Communications at LSE. 
• Terhi Rantanen, Professor of Global Media and Communications in the Department of Media and Communications at LSE. 
• Chaired by Myria Georgiou, Professor and Head of the Department of Media and Communications at LSE. 

All welcome

Those interested in the history of LSE, the contributions of refugee scholars, and the achievements of women in Higher Education.