Marlyne Sahakian

Prof. Marlyne Sahakian is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Geneva, specializing in sustainable consumption through a lens of social practice theory and inter/transdisciplinary sustainability research. She directs the Master in Sustainable Societies and Social Change (SACHA) and co-founded SCORAI Europe, a network for sustainable consumption innovation. Her work bridges everyday social practices with energy policy, well-being, and equity.

• Education: PhD in Development Studies (2011)

Her research explores how household energy use, urban public spaces, and food systems intersect with sustainability transitions. She leads the SWICE project on sustainable well-being (2022-2029) and has contributed to Horizon 2020’s ENERGISE network. Recent publications focus on living labs, energy citizenship, and sufficiency practices.

Scientific Awards:

• Co-chair of European Sociological Association’s Research Network 05 on Consumption (since 2019)
• Founding member of SCORAI Europe

Advising and Grants: Supervises PhD candidates like Orlane Moynat (energy futures) and Xinyu Zhan (zero waste in China). Leads major projects funded by SFOE, Swiss National Science Foundation (NRP71, NRP69), and Horizon 2020. Collaborates with institutions like EPFL, UniBasel, and NUI Galway.

Labs and Teams: Central figure in living labs methodologies, coordinating ENERGISE network across eight European countries. Works with interdisciplinary teams on climate adaptation, energy transitions, and urban sustainability in Europe and South/Southeast Asia (Philippines, Cameroon, Switzerland).