Call for Applications

6th Changing Europe Summer School

“The impact of the global economic crisis on Central and Eastern Europe. Economic, political and social aspects”

National Research University - Higher School of Economics
& Research Centre for East European Studies (University of Bremen)

Moscow, 01 - 07 August 2011

The topic: The global economic crisis which started in 2008 is seen as the strongest since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The crisis has deeply influenced business, politics and societies in various ways. The Changing Europe Summer School 2011 wants to examine the impact of the crisis on Central and Eastern Europe with equal attention to economic, political and social implications.

In the sphere of economics important aspects are among others the impact on state finances and the banking system, but also on the profitability of companies and on possible shifts in business strategies. In politics major issues are the economic stimulus packages set up by most governments in the region with a focus not only on their economic impact, but also on related lobbying and policy-making processes. The public debates about the efficiency of the responsible state actors as well as the future of a market system are also of relevance. The social dimension of the crisis ranges from the direct consequences on the labour market to the impact on welfare systems, social stratification and networks.

The Summer School: Each year the Changing Europe Summer School brings together 20 to 30 young academics (i.e. mainly doctoral students from disciplines like political science, sociology, economics, social anthropology, law, geography and history) working on issues related to countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Participation in the Summer School gives them a chance to present and discuss their research projects and to become better integrated into the international academic community.

The core of the Summer School consists of the presentation of doctoral research projects and their discussion with senior researchers of international repute in their respective fields. In addition, there will be several sessions with experts on funding, access to information, publication strategies and policy consulting. The sessions will be framed by lectures and excursions as well as other activities designed to give participants the opportunity to socialize and establish contacts. Selected contributions to the Summer School will be published in an edited volume in English. The participants will be invited to join our alumni network.

Paper proposals: Paper proposals must be based on original doctoral research projects and may not exceed 1000 words. They must be drafted in English and must connect an empirical question with a theoretical approach and concept in order to be accepted. An international review panel will assess the papers for the conference in an anonymous review process (for more information about the reviewers, see www.changing-europe.de). The deadline for receipt of paper proposals is 12 March 2011. Please submit your proposal according to the guidelines at www.changing-europe.de.

Costs: Funding by the organizer covers participation fees and accommodation (double rooms in students’ hall of residence). Participants will have to cover their travel costs themselves.

Location: National Research University - Higher School of Economics, Moscow

Information: More information about the Changing Europe Summer Schools is available at

www.changing-europe.de