Gertrude Saxinger

Gertrude Saxinger is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Political Science, University of Vienna, affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences. She is a leading scholar in cultural and social anthropology, focusing on labor dynamics, extractive industries, and indigenous rights in Arctic regions. Her research explores topics such as FIFO work, corporate social responsibility, and the socio-environmental impacts of resource extraction. Saxinger is a co-founder of the Austrian Polar Research Institute (APRI) and actively contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations, including the EU PolarNet II project. She has received prestigious awards, including the 2007 Dissertation Prize for Migration Research from the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Her work bridges academic and indigenous knowledge through projects like DÁVGI, emphasizing decolonial research practices. Saxinger’s research spans global sites, from Siberia to the Yukon, addressing contemporary challenges in solidarity, sustainability, and environmental justice. She has authored/co-authored numerous books and articles, including works on labor mobility and Arctic communities.

Her research interests include: qualitative ethnographic methods, critical raw materials, green transition debates, and indigenous resistance to extractivism. She has been involved in projects such as ‘Beyond Hot Air’ (SSHRC-funded) and ‘SolPan+’ (studying solidarity during the pandemic). Her work often integrates transdisciplinary approaches, collaborating with policymakers and local communities to ensure equitable outcomes. Saxinger also leads the Research Group at the Austrian Polar Research Institute, furthering Arctic studies and global environmental policy analysis.