Since 2014, Humboldt-Universität has been part of the CENTRAL network, which unites five universities from Central European capitals to realise the full potential of Central Europe as an outstanding centre of research and academic excellence. Together with Charles University in Prague, the University of Warsaw, Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest and the University of Vienna, we are working on making the academic contribution of the Central/Eastern Europe region more visible throughout Europe and beyond.
Together for change and innovation in Central Europe
Our long-standing connection with Eastern Europe and strong partnerships in the region enable us to play an active shaping role in the network. CENTRAL is not only an association of universities, but also a driving force for change and innovation at the centre of Europe. We are jointly committed to pushing the boundaries of science, promoting the exchange of knowledge and addressing the challenges of our time through collaborative research and education.
Opportunities and insights
CENTRAL supports collaborations in the following three areas:
Research collaborations
As part of the CENTRAL workshops researchers of Humboldt-Universität can deepen their networks and organise specialist meetings at the highest level. Holding two to three-day specialist meetings at one or two of the participating CENTRAL partner universities is promoted.
Additionally, researchers of Humboldt-Universität can realise bilateral cooperation projects with our CENTRAL partner universities. This occurs in particular through the Eastern Partnerships DAAD programme or the Erasmus+ programme.
Promotion of young talent
The CENTRAL Academy for Science Communication offers exclusive training for doctoral students who wish to expand their competences in the field of science communication. The CENTRAL Leadership Programme offers a tailor-made management programme for master’s students and doctoral students who wish to assume responsibility for and in Central Europe in a managerial position in their future career, particularly in politics and diplomacy.
Third Mission
CENTRAL supports projects with appeal in society, such as public lectures or small exhibitions. Applications for this purpose can be submitted at any time, unaccompanied by a form, to the CENTRAL coordinator of Humboldt-Universität, Dr. Stefan Karsch. Be a driver of innovation and help us to shape the future through your creative and socially relevant projects. We look forward to hearing your ideas!
New Perspectives on Central Europe – Successful Conference in Vienna
From 23 to 25 September 2024, the international anniversary conference "Imagining Central Europe" took place at the University of Vienna, marking the 10th anniversary of our network. Over three days, scholars, artists, and cultural professionals discussed the cultural identity and geopolitical perception of Central Europe. Interdisciplinary panels explored key questions concerning the literary, visual, and media representation of the region.
Among the highlights were the Central European Culture Salon, offering fascinating insights into the contemporary cultural scene, and an interactive city walk that led participants to significant historical and contemporary sites in Central Europe. Early-career researchers had the opportunity to present their research projects and receive valuable feedback at the PhD Elevator Pitch Event. The well-attended event provided not only a space for stimulating debates but also a platform for new networks and future collaborations. Additionally, a conference-based anthology will be published, presenting the outcomes of our collective research efforts and laying the foundation for further academic cooperation.
Exploring cultures of remembrance in Central and South-Eastern Europe
In March 2024, the CENTRAL workshop Transformation of Memory Cultures and Politics was held at Humboldt-Universität. This workshop focused on the perspective of remembrance in the context of the dynamic and diverse transformations of societies in Central and South-Eastern Europe. In this regard, the characteristics of politics and cultures of remembrance in post-conflict, post-socialist and transition contexts in these regions were discussed, on the one hand, and case studies were placed in the broader transcultural framework of the European culture of remembrance, on the other.
Philosophy in times of change: the Vienna Circle exhibition
With “The Vienna Circle – Exact Thinking in Demented Times”, CENTRAL designed an exhibition on the history of philosophy and presented it to the general public on the premises of three partner universities for several weeks. The exhibition could be seen at Humboldt-Universität in 2023. In the University of Vienna’s video, the curators of the exhibition also speak.