Sarah Schönbauer

Dr. Sarah Schönbauer is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Science and Technology Studies (STS) Department, Technische Universität München (TU Munich). Her research focuses on academic knowledge cultures in transition and environmental challenges, particularly exploring how environmental scientists navigate systemic pressures and engage with environmental changes. She holds a PhD from the University of Vienna (2019) and a diploma in Biology, and has conducted postdoctoral research at TU Munich and Leiden University (2022).

Education:

• PhD in Science and Technology Studies, University of Vienna (2019)
• Diploma in Biology, University of Vienna (2011)
• Postgraduate Program in ‘Sociology of Social Practices,’ Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna (2012–2015)

Research Interests: Academic identity work, marine and environmental sciences, plastic and waste politics, science communication, and the intersection of science and activism. She investigates how scientists engage with environmental challenges both professionally and publicly, particularly in marine contexts.

Key Projects:

• Choreographies of Environmental Engagement (FWF-funded Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship, 2021–2023)
• Plastic – Publics – Politics (BMBF-funded, 2019–2021)
• Member of the DFG network Waste in Motion

Awards:

• Erwin Schrödinger Fellowship (FWF Austria, 2021–2023)
• Scholarship, Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna (2012–2015)

Teaching: Courses at TU Munich’s STS Department, focusing on science policy and environmental studies (see TUM Campus).

Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles on microplastics, marine science activism, and academic identity work, with recent focus on environmental care and policy.