Partners: the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), the Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW), the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, and partner institutions from Ukraine and other European countries

Funded by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Project term: 2024-2028

The Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Frankfurt (Oder) – Berlin (KIU) is a project to strengthen Ukraine-related research, teaching, networking and transfer activities. It has three dimensions:

1. Research
Three interdisciplinary research groups focusing on (1) history and culture, (2) state and society, and (3) conflict explore Ukraine-related questions in history and the present. Two fellowship programmes for scholars from Ukraine and other European countries promote international academic exchange. In addition, a structured PhD programme starting in April 2025 will enable up to 15 doctoral students to undertake research on Ukraine-related topics. One-month residential fellowships are available to support Master’s students who are writing Ukraine-related theses.

2. Teaching
The Freie Universität Berlin (FU), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) and the European University Viadrina jointly organise the Ukrainian Studies certificate programme for Master’s students who aim to acquire specific knowledge about Ukraine and develop their Ukrainian language skills. Guest professors support the Ukraine teaching programme for one semester each.

3. Transfer and networking
Targeted measures are taken to connect Ukraine-related research at national and international level. Public panels, talks, lectures and regular publications on Ukraine-related topics support the Competence Network’s development into an interdisciplinary forum that involves a range of stakeholders and audiences in constructive dialogue on Ukraine. One example is the KIU lecture series, which fosters regular exchange between experts and interested members of the public.

• Ongoing development and consolidation of a teaching programme on Ukraine-related topics;
• Launch of a multidisciplinary research programme to generate knowledge about Ukraine’s politics, history and culture in their European and global context;
• Networking of Ukraine-related research at national and international level;
• Facilitating knowledge sharing in an accessible format for policymakers, business and society.