At the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), Ukraine will gain more prominence in research and education in the future. The university recently launched the Center of Polish and Ukrainian Studies, expanding its Center for Interdisciplinary Polish Studies. This new academic institution aims to nurture research projects and offer courses, providing ample opportunities for delving into Ukraine's history, culture, politics, and society.
In addition to academic pursuits, the center aims to transfer valuable knowledge about Ukraine to society. It plans to collaborate closely with European and overseas academic institutions, maintaining strong ties with eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Poland. According to Viadrina President Eduard Mühle, this commitment to fostering communication and cooperation with eastern European neighbors has been a part of the university's mission since its inception.
The establishment of the Center for Polish and Ukrainian Studies harmonizes with Brandenburg's Science Minister Manja Schüle's initiative to establish a special Ukraine Center in Frankfurt (Oder). Schüle sees Viadrina University as a bridge-building tool between itself and its neighbors, highlighting the importance of such connections, especially in a world where divisions are prevalent.
The Center of Polish and Ukrainian Studies brings a wealth of research insights to the table. Interdisciplinary research focuses on transformation in East Central Europe, German-Polish-Ukrainian connections, and tracing the history of German-Ukrainian science, cultural transfer, and intellectual history in Central and Eastern Europe. Publications, conferences, and summer schools further boost learning in these areas, while networking events, such as the Jerzy Giedroyc Research Colloquium, foster a community of scholars dedicated to Polish and Ukrainian studies.
Moreover, the center's PhD program in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies, funded by the DAAD and the Federal Foreign Office (AA), provides a comprehensive framework for advanced research in Ukrainian studies. This structured program supports early-career researchers in conducting intensive research on various aspects of Ukraine, ensuring a robust foundation for future scholarship.
In summary, the Center of Polish and Ukrainian Studies at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) plays a significant role in enhancing research and education about Ukraine, while fostering relationships with academic institutions throughout Europe and beyond. This commitment to collaboration, transfer of knowledge, and structured research opportunities will strengthen both German and international Ukraine research, ultimately benefiting the broader academic community.
