Robert Ritter

Robert Ritter (14 May 1901— circa 1951) was a German psychologist best known for his work that led to persecution and genocide of the Roma people in Nazi Germany (the Porajmos).

Born in Aachen, Ritter received his doctorate in educational psychology at the University of Munich in 1927. Continuing his studies in child psychology, Ritter received his doctorate in medicine at University of Heidelberg in 1930.

In 1936 Ritter was appointed to head the newly created Eugenic and Population Biological Research Station of the Reich Health Office. By 1941 his research about the Roma led to implementing practical measures against them. Ritter then became chief of the newly created Criminal Biological Institute of the Security Police.

Ritter's team of researchers included a number of younger race scientists, including Eva Justin, Adolf Würth, and Sophie Ehrhardt.

Though Ritter was put on trial after World War II, the case was closed without a conviction. His collaborators continued their academic careers following his death.

References

* [http://www.holocaust-trc.org/cf_sinti.htm Dr. Robert Ritter: Racial Science And "Gypsies"]
* [http://www.mtsu.edu/~baustin/gypsies.html Robert Ritter profile]