Mission Statement

Basic research

ZOiS is a research institute that engages in social science basic research on Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. ZOiS is politically independent and determines its own research agenda, driven by academic curiosity and openness.

Academic best practice

The basis of all research activity is the honesty of the researchers towards themselves and others. In our work we are committed to the rules of academic best practice, as defined by the German Research Foundation (GRF), the Leibniz Association, and other research and research support organisations. To put these principles into practice, ZOiS issues its staff and guest researchers with concrete guidelines, which are aligned with those of the GRF.

Communication of research

ZOiS communicates the outcomes of its research to both a specialist audience and the wider public. We see it as our mission to raise interest in, and knowledge of, the region of Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia and to foster societal discussion. Our approach is independent, objective, and non-partisan.

Interdisciplinarity

Research at ZOiS is multi- and interdisciplinary and attaches great importance to the diversity and combination of research methods.

Support of young researchers

Supporting young researchers and interested young people in their (professional) development is an essential element of ZOiS’s work. We see ourselves as an active part of the rich scientific landscape in the Berlin-Brandenburg region and as an equal partner in national and international research on the region encompassing Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Equal opportunities

ZOiS supports the careers of all members of staff and values the compatibility of family and career. We reject any form of discrimination on the basis of nationality, cultural background, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or religious conviction.

Team spirit

Cooperation and respect among staff and with external colleagues are fundamental requirements of our work. As a team we have a joint obligation to implement the elements of this mission statement.