Ursula Rao is an urban anthropologist researching in India. The central focus of her work is changing power relations in rapidly globalising cities, with regards to topics such as: (1) the interaction between urban poor and state agencies in a landscape of  shifting ideologies of urbanity and social security; (2) the changing role of media and technology for shaping urban spaces and politics; (3) The role of religious institutions and ritual performances for negotiating urban relations. Her current work focusses on e-goverance, biometric technology and smart cities. Before joining the University of Leipzig, Ursula Rao held academic positions at the University of Heidelberg (1999-2002), the University of Halle (2002-2006) and the University of New South Wales, Sydney (2007-2012).

Selected publications: 

·         Magurie, Mark, Ursula Rao, Nils Zurawski (eds.) (2018) Bodies as Evidence: Security, knowledge and power. Durham:  Duke University Press 

·         Rao, Ursula (2018) ‘Biometric Bodies, or how to make fingerprinting technology work in India.’ Body & Society 24(3): 68-94

·         Rao, Ursula (2013) ‘Tolerated Encroachment: Resettlement policies and the negotiation of the licit/illicit divide in an Indian metropolis.’ Cultural Anthropology 28(4): 760-779

·         Rao, Ursula (2013) ‘Biometric Marginality: UID and the shaping of homeless identities in the city.’ Economic and Political Weekly 48: 1-7

·         Rao, Ursula (2010) ‘Making the global city: Urban citizenship at the margins of Delhi.’ Ethnos 75(4): 402-424