Austrian Association of Inclusive Society (AIS) is a non-governmental organization based in Vienna, Austria, dedicated to interdisciplinary research that promotes innovation and collaboration in the fields of human rights, social inclusion and development.
AIS’s activities include research and analysis, evaluations, publications and advocacy, as well as convene and facilitate the exchange of ideas and open discussions that stimulate new thinking on current issues in Europe, while keeping a global perspective.
AIS holds conferences, workshops, trainings and other events that focus on social development, behavioural change and foster inclusion of youth and marginalised groups.
Main focus areas are:
- Community Development
- Personal and Professional Development
- Integration, Inclusion and Social Justice
- National and International Cooperation
- Climate Change and the Environment
- Human Rights
- Youth and Employment
- Diversity and Society
- Gender Equality
- Bullying/Cyber-bullying and Conflict Mediation in Schools
- Migration, Citizenship and Belonging
- Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid
- Countering Violent Extremism
AIS has a strong reputation for producing independent quality studies, as well as engaging in international collaborative support and promoting good practices that generate relevant work. Inclusive Society currently works in delivering a wide variety of projects and advocates strategic influence in a range of sectors that touch on our focus thematic areas.
Staff members and volunteers are committed to fight for equal rights for all and to promote the full inclusion of socially disadvantaged, disabled and marginalised people in all aspects of life.
OUR PEOPLE
Ozel Coskuner
Ozel Coskuner has worked across various sectors of the education industry for over a decade, from ministerial advisor to university management, student counselor, and teacher. He now leads several NGOs and social enterprises. With a strong background in project management, he has contributed to more than 50 international and EU research and innovation projects.
Marco Roux
Marco Roux is a Human Rights advocate with extensive experience in international projects. He holds a Master’s in Politics and Government, focusing on Migrant Children and Education, a Master’s in Human Rights from the University of Vienna, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in EU Project Management from the University of Applied Arts Burgenland.
Dana Maleh
Dana Maleh is skilled in architecture, urban planning, and sustainable development, with extensive experience managing educational initiatives in Vienna as an associate researcher and project manager. She focuses on empowering youth through non-formal education and mental health advocacy. Dana’s work with refugee children and youth reflects her commitment to inclusivity and social change. Known for her engaging workshops, she combines skill development, self-care, and teamwork, demonstrating her entrepreneurial and sustainability-driven approach.
Sophie Strohal
Sophie Strohal holds a master’s degree in Applied Economics with a specialization in Policy Evaluation from the University of Vienna. Before, she attained two bachelor’s degrees, one in Political Science and one in Economics and Social Sciences where she mainly focused on inequality and development studies. Sophie gained international experience through exchange programs in Canada and Norway. With this interdisciplinary background, Sophie is mainly interested in the intersection of the diverse aspects of society.
Hana Sarajcic
Hana Sarajcic, a scholar at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, blends business insight with a focus on empowering marginalized communities. She excels as a Virtual Assistant across various projects. At 18, she conducted research on personality types in education. Fluent in several languages, Hana contributes through research, project development, bilingual document translation, and presentations. She combines academic excellence with entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to social change.
Denitsa Ivanova
Denitsa Ivanova, a final-year Political Science student at the University of Vienna, focuses on Political Ecology, International Politics, and Urban Sociology, with a minor in Global Corporate Management. She supports peers and professors as a student tutor during the shift to hybrid learning. Active in Erasmus+ exchanges, Denitsa specializes in EU values, facilitation, and non-formal education. Her NGO work includes research on youth opportunities in Bulgaria and website management. Engaged in Model EU simulations, she has explored themes like youth unemployment and cybersecurity, highlighting her commitment to civic engagement and policy advocacy.
Nada Abdelgelil
Nada Abdelgelil is a researcher and junior project manager, currently studying transcultural communication at the University of Vienna. Growing up in Egypt and Austria, she offers valuable cultural insights and is fluent in Arabic, German, English, and French. Nada is actively involved in volunteer work, particularly supporting refugees and cultural events. Her diverse interests in music, singing, and astrophotography bring creativity to her projects, reflecting her dedication to inclusivity and social impact.
Ahmet Gümüs
Ahmet is currently pursuing his PhD in Translation Studies at Sakarya University. He is proficient in German, Turkish, and English. He brings a wealth of linguistic expertise to his role as a translator and takes great pride in his work. He finds joy in continuous learning, fueled by his passion for literature and avid reading habits. Ahmet is committed to contributing his skills and knowledge to further his mission and vision.
Karin Pungartnik
Karin is a master’s student in the Middle European interdisciplinary program in Cognitive Science, connecting universities in Ljubljana, Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the School of Economics and Business at the University of Ljubljana. During her exchanges across Europe and Asia she gained a lot of international experience. With an interest in human cognition, decision-making, and knowledge management, Karin brings interdisciplinary expertise as an associated researcher and junior project manager, supported by her experience in project management, volunteer work, and research.
Brelyantika Jesa
Brelyantika Indra Jesa is a graduate of the scholarship awardee of European Joint Master in Social Work with Children and Youth (ESWOCHY) 2021-2023 under the Consortium of Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania), Stradins University of Riga (Latvia), Catholic University of Ruzomberok (Slovakia), and ISCTE University Institute in Lisbon (Portugal). She has experience in various volunteer programmes over the past five years in Asia and Europe. She was participated in Asia-Europe Young Leader Summit ASEFYLS 2023 and led two international workcamps under Service Civil International (SCI) Germany in 2022 and 2023.
Laura Oyuela
Laura is a cross-disciplinary artist and researcher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cross-Disciplinary Strategies – Applied Studies in Art, Science, Philosophy, and Global Challenges from the University of Applied Arts Vienna. In addition to her artistic practice, Laura has a background in curation, project management, and collective methods. In 2023, she completed an internship at Logische Phantasie Lab, a Vienna-based, women-led for-benefit organization working at the intersection of climate change and new digital technologies. She also pursued exchange studies at the School for Graphic Research in Brussels, participating in the Master’s program in Situated Practices. Currently, Laura continues her studies in Site-Specific Art at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, further exploring her interdisciplinary approach to art and research.
Vladislav Olefirenko
Vladyslav Olefirenko is an Erasmus+ Project Manager, actively contributing to the coordination of international initiatives that facilitate educational development and cultural exchange. His role involves managing a diverse array of projects, necessitating meticulous attention to detail and exceptional communication skills. Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Management and Marketing, Vladyslav is acquiring critical insights into management strategies and marketing dynamics. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is involved in video creation and design, enhancing projects’ visibility and engaging audiences through innovative, modern approaches.