We are delighted to welcome our two new interns to the Conflict & Security Cluster!

Dear Ann-Sophie, dear Lea — what motivated you to take up an internship at the ECMI, particularly within the Conflict & Security Cluster?

Lea Lamade:
Through my studies and my work as a student assistant, I have repeatedly had the opportunity to engage with the history of minorities, their discrimination and repression, as well as the conflict dynamics associated with these processes. When I came across the work of the ECMI, I felt that an internship here would be a great opportunity to build on my previous experiences while also learning how a think tank conducts research and communicates knowledge. I was particularly drawn to the chance to deepen my expertise in minority research and further develop my analytical skills.

Ann-Sophie Mangold:
I am particularly interested in peace and conflict studies as well as the dynamics of divided societies. These topics naturally featured prominently throughout my studies. The ECMI offers me the opportunity to deepen these theoretical focal points by contributing to ongoing research projects while also making a meaningful contribution to international minority research. Applying the methods I have learned in an empirical setting and gaining new perspectives for my academic and professional path is certainly a very valuable experience for me.

How did you become aware of the ECMI?

Lea Lamade:
I first learned about the ECMI through a lecturer last semester. When my bachelor’s thesis phase offered me a bit more flexibility, I decided to take the opportunity and begin an internship here.

Ann-Sophie Mangold:
Doğukan Karakus, one of the researchers in the cluster, taught a seminar at Heidelberg University and mentioned the internship opportunity. I felt that the content resonated with my interests, so I took the chance.

How did you experience the institute and the team during your first days?

Lea Lamade:
I felt very comfortable from the very beginning. I particularly appreciate the openness and appreciation shown to us, as well as the opportunity to engage with researchers from very diverse academic and national backgrounds and gain insights into their work and approaches. It was also really nice to start the internship together with Ann-Sophie.

Ann-Sophie Mangold:
Very warm and welcoming! The team is characterised by clear structures, high academic standards, and a constructive communication culture. I was actively included right from the start, asked about my interests, and in this way gained insight into various work processes.

What experiences and perspectives do you bring to the institute?

Lea Lamade:
I would say that I primarily bring my international experience as well as the academic knowledge I have gained from my studies and my student assistant positions. At 16, I spent a year living with a Danish host family, and a year ago I studied for a semester in Seoul. Through my volunteer work, I have also been operating in international contexts for many years, which has given me a strong understanding of different societal perspectives.

Academically, I have mainly worked with historical approaches and qualitative research methods. I gained experience in a seminar on border conflicts as well as in my work as a student assistant in a research project on the history of Sinti and Roma in Schleswig-Holstein, which thoroughly examined the discrimination of this group during the Nazi era and the post-war period.

Ann-Sophie Mangold:
As a child and teenager, I lived in the Netherlands, Finland, and Bulgaria, which allowed me early on to develop a European perspective and an awareness of different societal contexts. My studies in Political Science and Sociology in Heidelberg, as well as my semester abroad in Tokyo, further strengthened my focus on political, social, and cultural dynamics. I hope to bring this international and interdisciplinary perspective into the research work of the cluster.

What hopes and plans do you have for the coming months here?

Lea Lamade:
I am looking forward to delving deeper into the cluster’s thematic priorities. I currently find the exploration of the relationship between state repression and civil resistance particularly fascinating. I also hope to learn more social science research methods and further strengthen my own methodological and analytical skills.

Ann-Sophie Mangold:
I am also very excited to gain insight into the interplay between academic research and policy advice, which is also carried out at the institute from time to time. I find the political and institutional frameworks of minority protection and conflict resolution particularly interesting, as well as the question of how these insights can be translated into concrete policy recommendations.

Has anything surprised you about working at the ECMI?

Lea Lamade:
One very positive aspect I noticed is that everyone here truly interacts on an equal footing. We were actively included in work processes from the start and asked for our perspectives and assessments on various topics. This immediately made me feel that our viewpoints are valued and that we can contribute meaningfully.

I was also impressed by how international the team is. Working with colleagues from so many different academic and cultural backgrounds offers fascinating insights and significantly broadens the perspective on minority and conflict research.

Ann-Sophie Mangold:
I can only agree. The international composition of the team and the personal backgrounds of many colleagues make the work here enriching on a personal level as well. I especially appreciate that different perspectives are not only heard but actively incorporated into the scientific work, and that everyone has the opportunity to contribute their own interests.

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If you’re interested in gaining more insight into our internship programme here is an overview