I am a political scientist, a migration researcher, a lecturer and a trainer.
I am specialized in migration governance and politics (from a multi-level, and multi-actor perspective), Austria and the European Union. I am particularly interested in the increasing politicization of migration, its manifestation and effects on democracy. In line with my interest in shifting socio-political conflicts and its impact on democracy, I have also developed a strand of research that focuses on the populist radical right, and identity politics. My work has been engaging with and challenging dominant perspectives and understandings of social science research in the field of migration and migrant integration.
In addition to my engagement in research, I am also a dedicated teacher and trainer. I have been teaching a wide variety of politics classes from “Introduction to the Austrian Political System” to “European Integration and Crises” or “Identity Politics”, and have lead, co-lead and participated as a trainer in Executive Education, Summer Schools and other training events. My teaching and training activities are driven by my research expertise. My teaching activity is led by the understanding that teaching needs to enthuse, and empower student’s in their capacities. My training activity is guided by the understanding that as opposed to academic teaching, training needs to be applied rather than theory driven, and customized to the practical needs of the training participants. I am committed to provide an inclusive teaching, training, and supervision environment.
Recently I have also entered the policy world, serving as a policy officer for the City of Vienna, in the department of Integration & Diversity. My mission in this role is to further establish and translate academic knowledge on migration related issues into policy work.
PS: I am crazy about dogs, and lately also my cat Luna, who makes sure I wake up early in the morning. I love Yoga, hiking, and I enjoy doing theatre plays.
Leila Hadj Abdou 