Insights from the SSH CENTRE Project at the RSA Winter Conference

We are excited to announce that Viktor Varju from CERS (Centre for Economic and Regional Studies), SSH CENTRE’s consortium partner, will be presenting at the RSA (Regional Studies Association) Winter Conference on November 7-8.  

Viktor’s presentation will highlight the significant findings from Work Package 1 of the SSH CENTRE project, focusing on the scoping and assessment of the needs and interests of Southern and Central & Eastern European (SE and CEE) researchers. 

Despite ongoing efforts, disparities persist in the participation of SSH researchers from SE and CEE in research collaborations compared to their Northern and Western counterparts. This issue is compounded by the marginalization of SSH in favor of STEM disciplines when it comes to funding, placing SE and CEE researchers at a distinct disadvantage. 

The SSH CENTRE project has been instrumental in uncovering these challenges and their territorial differences. We have gathered valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers through an online survey of 137 SE and CEE researchers and two hybrid workshops in Bilbao and Pécs. 

Key barriers identified include precarious working conditions, temporary contracts, and low salaries in SE and CEE, as well as a lack of administrative support for competitive EU research applications. The EU’s efforts to positively discriminate and support SE and CEE researchers through targeted sub-programmes are crucial steps forward. 

Viktor Varju’s presentation at the conference will underscore the importance of increasing funding opportunities for critical, reflexive, and transformative research. By embracing diverse ways of knowing, including local and traditional knowledge from SE and CEE, we can develop tailored solutions to socio-ecological challenges. 

His presentation is linked to the SSH CENTRE deliverable titled “Supporting the Social Sciences & Humanities across Southern and Central & Eastern Europe: A Position Statement for international climate, energy and mobility research.” This Position Statement highlights the perspectives of SSH researchers from SE and CEE, addressing disparities in research collaboration and support. It is translated into 10 European languages. 

We look forward to Viktor’s contribution at the RSA Winter Conference and the continued impact of the SSH CENTRE project in advocating for equitable research opportunities across Europe.  

More information about the conference: 2024 RSA Winter Conference – RSA Main 

Link to Viktor’s abstract: https://events.rdmobile.com/Lists/Details/2536182