Academic Year 2021/2022

The Field of Excellence “Dimensions of Europeanization” at the University of Graz is looking for junior and senior visiting fellows for the academic year 2021-22 focusing on

Localization and Regionalization as Parallel Processes to Europeanization

The Field of Excellence “Dimensions of Europeanization”, established in 2019 at the University of Graz, deals with a broad range of processes that could be described as "Europeanization" in past and present. It focuses on the analysis of changing discourses of Europe, especially in regard to the transfer of concepts, values and ideas. Thus, it seeks to redefine the concept of Europeanization, in particular in Southeastern Europe, and to identify the historically grounded cultural, economic and social processes that are circumscribed by it. The Field of Excellence explores the field of Europeanization through interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating sociology, history, geography, cultural studies, law, political science, economics, theology, as well as digital methods. It currently includes 28 principal investigators from five different faculties and the inter-faculty Center for Southeast European Studies at the University. The Field of Excellence includes doctoral training, research projects and a fellowship program.

During the academic year 2021-22, the fellowship program will focus on the theme “Localization and Regionalization as Parallel Processes to Europeanization”. In the course of the academic year, it will support four junior fellows (post-doc and early career) and two senior fellows (tenured professors and equivalent) to spend one semester in Graz to conduct and present research and collaborate with other researchers. The theme focuses on processes that emphasize local and regional belonging, identities and structures. These might mediate larger Europeanization processes and thus reinforce Europeanization, such as those that weaken nation states. They also might challenge Europeanization and offer alternative institutions or forms of identification.

For the call, projects that explore the tensions and the mutually reinforcing dynamics of localization/regionalization and Europeanization are of particular interest. The Field of Excellence is interested in projects that engage with the theme using an interdisciplinary approach and are open to a diachronic engagement. In particular, a focus on Southeastern Europe is welcome, but not required. Innovative, unconventional project ideas are especially welcome. The research conducted can be part of a larger project, but applicants should be able to demonstrate a clearly defined research project for the stay in Graz.

Junior Visiting Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of 1250 Euros for the duration of 4 months (October 2021-January 2022 or March 2022-June 2022) and travel costs to Graz (of up to 500€). The application should include a CV, including referees, and a one-page research plan that clearly highlights how the research links to “Dimensions of Europeanization” and the topic. Junior Visiting Fellows need to have completed their PhD by the time they begin their fellowship. Applications should indicate the preferred semester for the fellowship. Deadline is 15 March 2021.

Senior Visiting Fellows will receive an apartment for the duration of 4 months during their stay (October 2021-January 2022 or March 2022-June 2022; up to 1000€/month), a return flight ticket (economy class; up to 800€) from their ordinary place of residence to Graz and the lump sum of 800€ for further personal expenses. The Senior Visiting Fellowship Program is open to researchers with an established international reputation. The application should include a CV and a one-page research plan that clearly highlights how the research of the fellow links to “Dimensions of Europeanization”. Applications should indicate the preferred semester for the fellowship. Deadline is 15 March 2021. 

The University of Graz Field of Excellence “Dimensions of Europeanization” will host 2 senior and 4 junior fellows during the academic year 2021-22. Fellows will receive workspace, library access and will be involved in the activities of Dimensions of Europeanization and participating institutes, as well as the Centre for Southeast European Studies. All fellows are expected to be physically present at the University of Graz during the four months of the fellowship, present their research during their stay, attend other presentations and contribute to the academic environment of the university. Fellows are expected to work on a specific publication during their stay. The university will cover accident insurance, while health insurance needs to be covered by fellows. 

For further questions, please contact europeanization(at)uni-graz.at.