Ritter in 1936 (shown on the right wearing the suit)
(14 May 1901-1950) 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. He committed suicide. His collaborators continued their academic careers following his death.
