Female Scientists Breaking Barriers. Interview with Melanie Fleisch

This interview belongs to a Ulysseus section created in honour of International Women’s Day showing commitment to a fairer world: ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’.

After completing her Matura in Vorarlberg, Melanie did a voluntary social year at Lebenshilfe, an association that promotes the interests of people with disabilities. This experience motivated her to learn more about social issues, so she moved to Innsbruck to study Sociology. After completing her bachelor degree, she traveled to Tonga to do field research for six months.

Upon returning to Innsbruck, she studied Philosophy degree and pursued an interdisciplinary Master’s degree “Gender, Culture, and Social Change.” Then, she started her PhD in Sociology and began working as a project assistant at the Center for social and health innovation (CSHI) in Innsbruck. Furthermore, she is a member of the Social Theory Research Center, where she is focus on collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue.