Centre for EU-Russia Studies takes stock of the first five years

The Centre for EU-Russia Studies (CEURUS) at the University of Tartu was established to conduct high-quality research in the field of EU-Russia studies. CEURUS seeks to combine multidisciplinary analysis with the in-depth knowledge of the geographical areas concerned. On February 26 an information seminar will take place to introduce the results of the first five years of the Centre’s activities and its plans for the future.

“In today’s international security environment, the demand for advanced analysis and research that grants insight into issues of wider societal concern significantly exceeds supply. CEURUS is helping to remedy this deficit”, explains Viatcheslav Morozov, Professor of EU-Russia Studies and Chairman of the Board of CEURUS.

CEURUS brings together scholars and experts from diverse fields of research who share an interest in the evolving relationship between the EU and Russia by coordinating and sponsoring a variety of activities relating to research, teaching and public outreach. The affiliated scholars have published numerous monographs, research articles and edited volumes that address a wide range of issues including the foreign and domestic policies of Russia and other Eastern European countries; international relations and security; foreign affairs of the EU and the European Union’s Neighbourhood Policy; energy interdependence; human rights; public law; collective memory; and the contemporary challenges facing the nation state in the wider region.

During the past five years, CEURUS has organised over 100 different events, ranging from large-scale conferences such as The 1^st European Workshops in International Studies and the PONARS Eurasia Annual Conference both in 2012 to more than 60 individual guest lectures, a number of summer and winter schools and other events aimed at academics, students and wider society. Among others, Ronald Inglehart, Director of the World Values Survey and Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan and Richard Sakwa, a leading Russia expert, and Professor of Russian and European Politics at the University of Kent have both visited the University of Tartu. “It has been one of the main goals of the Centre to encourage students to take interest in the field of Russian and East European Studies by granting them the opportunity to experience gripping lectures from guest teaching staff, many of whom have been leading scholars in their field”, said Dr. Piret Ehin, CEURUS’ Director.

CEURUS has also strengthened both the internationalization of the University of Tartu and curricular reform, for example, it has supported the redesign and establishment of a number of English-language MA programmes. A crucial part of CEURUS’ mission has been to support academic mobility. Over the past five years, close to 50 visiting scholars and PhD students have had visiting periods of residency at the University of Tartu. UT scholars have in turn participated in many conferences and workshops abroad.

During the years 2011-2015, CEURUS was supported by the University of Tartu Development Fund. From 2016 onwards, the Centre will continue its mission with the support of several other funding sources. Research at CEURUS will continue to be supported through the grants awarded by the Estonian Research Council. The development of innovative teaching methods and new courses will be supported generously by Jean Monnet Modules. Academic mobility opportunities and increased opportunities for extensive research cooperation are provided by UPTAKE, a Twinning project between the Universities of Tartu, Uppsala and Kent. UPTAKE is funded through the EU’s Horizon2020 scheme. In June, the UPTAKE consortium will host the 1^st Annual Tartu Conference on Russian and East European Studies. The conference is expected to attract approximately 150 participants. In August, CEURUS will organise the 3^rd Summer School for Ukrainian Students. This is supported by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Estonian Development Cooperation Fund.

A CEURUS information event will take place on 26 February at 1pm. This will present the results of CEURUS’ activities between 2011 and 2015 and will introduce future plans. The session will take place in Tartu at Lossi 36-214. Those interested to attend this event are kindly asked to register with Ms. Maili Vilson (maili.vilson@ut.ee) by 22 February.

Additional information: Dr. Piret Ehin, Director of CEURUS, e-mail piret.ehin@ut.ee

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Maili Vilson, Marketing Specialist
phone + 372 737 6584
e-mail maili.vilson@ut.ee