Academic Year 2020/2021

The Field of Excellence "Dimensions of Europeanization" at the University of Graz is looking for junior and senior visiting fellows for the academic year 2020-21 focusing on

Making Borders/Crossing Borders

The recently established Field of Excellence at the University of Graz deals with processes of "Europeanization" in past and present. It focuses on the analysis of changing discourses of Europe, especially with regard to the transfer of concepts, values and ideas. It is based on the goal of redefining the concept of Europeanization, in particular in Southeastern Europe, and of identifying 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 includes more than 20 faculty members from five different faculties at the University. The Field of Excellence includes doctoral training, research projects and a fellowship program.

The fellowship program of the field of excellence "Dimensions of Europeanization" will focus on the theme Making Borders/Crossing Borders during the academic year 2020-1. Over the 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 historical and contemporary processes of border making, in particular in the context of defining Europe in changing historical contexts. Projects can cover all historical periods from antiquity, such as the role of the limes of the Roman Empire, to the present, such as the external borders of the EU and FRONTEX. Crossing borders includes different acts of people to cross, negotiate and challenge these boundaries. Projects that reflect on the interplay between border creation and its crossing are particularly welcome. The field of excellence is particularly 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 2020-January 2021 or March 2021-June 2021) and travel costs to Graz. 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 2020.

Senior Visiting Fellows will receive an apartment for the duration of 4 months of their stay (October 2020-January 2021 or March 2021-June 2021) and a return flight ticket (economy class) from their ordinary place of residence to Graz. 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 2020.

The University of Graz Field of Excellence "Dimensions of Europeanization" will host 2 senior and 4 junior fellows during the academic year 2020-21. 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 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.