From June 25 to 28, 2024, a delegation from Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, visited the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, as part of the BRRIDGE Horizon Europe Project. This visit marked a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration and advancing the project’s goals of strengthening democracy, governance, and research capabilities.
Agenda Highlights: Exploring Best Practices and Building Connections
The delegation, including Prof. Kamila Boršeková, Dr. Jozef Michal Mintal, and other key Matej Bel University and Institute for Democracy representatives, engaged in a packed four-day program designed to enhance capacity building, facilitate networking, and explore potential collaborations between the institutions. The agenda featured a series of high-level meetings, presentations, and interactive workshops across multiple EUI facilities, including the Robert Schuman Centre, Villa Schifanoia, and Badia Fiesolana.
Day 1: Strategic Introductions and Research Synergies
- Welcome Session: The visit began with a warm welcome at the Robert Schuman Centre, followed by a meeting with its Director, Prof. Erik Jones, to discuss shared priorities in European studies and governance.
- Migration Policy and Research: The delegation met with Dr. Lenka Draženová at the Migration Policy Centre, exchanging insights on migration trends and policy-making.
- Postdoctoral Opportunities: A presentation on the EUI’s Max Weber Programme highlighted pathways for postdoctoral researchers to advance their academic careers.
Day 2: Institutional Innovation and Inclusivity
- Academic Service Meeting: Discussions with Sébastien Huber, Director ad interim of the Academic Service, provided valuable insights into EUI’s approach to strategy and development.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusiveness: A meeting with Dr. Giuseppe Zago focused on integrating inclusivity principles into academic and administrative frameworks.
- Open Science and Digital Resources: A guided tour of the EUI Library and a session with the Open Science Office underscored the importance of open access and digital tools for research dissemination.
Day 3: Specialized Workshops and Focused Collaborations
- Digital Society and Media Freedom: Meetings with the Centre for Digital Society and the Centre for Media Freedom delved into pressing issues like misinformation and polarization.
- Collaborative Workshops: Parallel sessions explored topics ranging from affective depolarization to political behavior in Central and Eastern Europe, offering actionable strategies for democratic resilience.
Capacity Building and Networking Opportunities
The visit facilitated rich opportunities for capacity building and collaboration:
- Professional Development: The delegation gained insights into innovative research methodologies, inclusivity practices, and strategies for fostering international partnerships.
- Networking: Interactions with prominent researchers, including Prof. Liesbet Hooghe and Prof. Stephanie Hofmann, expanded professional networks and opened avenues for future joint projects.
- Knowledge Sharing: Workshops and discussions provided a platform to exchange expertise on topics like political behavior, media freedom, and European governance.
A Shared Vision for Democratic Resilience
This visit underscored the shared commitment of Matej Bel University and European University Institute to advancing democratic resilience through research, education, and collaboration. By strengthening ties between institutions and fostering a culture of innovation, the BRRIDGE Horizon Europe Project continues to pave the way for impactful and sustainable initiatives.
