Call for Project Funding 2025-2026

The Center for Governance and Culture in Europe (GCE-HSG) at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, is pleased to announce the first call for project proposals within the framework of the BLACK SEA Initiative for the years 2025-2026.

The GCE-HSG is dedicated to exploring social, economic, political, governmental, and cultural transformations in Europe from an interdisciplinary and transnational perspective. Our center aims to advance interdisciplinary research and foster international collaboration with research institutions across the Black Sea Region and the Eastern European countries and Switzerland.

The BLACK SEA Initiative, launched in 2013 by the GCE-HSG, has since grown into an expansive network project dedicated to exploring the intricate dynamics of the Black Sea region in a broad and inclusive sense. We invite applications from researchers across the social sciences and humanities with a focus on the Black Sea area, encompassing a diverse range of countries, cultures, and histories. The Initiative seeks to deepen our understanding of this complex region by embracing its many facets and perspectives.

We invite project proposals focusing on the Black Sea region for the 2025-2026 funding period. The projects must align with one or more of the following themes:

• Transcultural contact zones.
• Digital humanities.
• Security issues, conflicts, and peace processes in the region.
• Resilience, sustainability, and innovation.
• Migration within and from the region.
• Literature and culture of the region.

We invite innovative project proposals that seek to advance research and collaboration across Switzerland and the Black Sea region. Funded projects will explore key research themes while engaging in diverse formats aimed at fostering learning, interdisciplinary exchange, and dissemination. Possible formats for projects include, but are not limited to:

• Summer and Winter Schools: Gatherings of several days/one week to facilitate knowledge transfer, skill-building, and capacity development within relevant fields.
• Networking Events: Initiatives that create opportunities for collaboration between scholars and institutions across Europe and the Black Sea region are encouraged. These events may take the form of networking workshops, partnership-building activities, or conferences.
• Workshops and Seminar Series: Projects can host thematic workshops, roundtables, or seminar series to foster dialogue, share insights, and stimulate interdisciplinary research on key topics.
• Research Dissemination Platforms: Proposals should outline strategies for disseminating research findings through various platforms, such as websites, public datasets, or collaborative publications, ensuring that the results have broad visibility and impact.

We encourage creativity and flexibility in the formats of proposed projects, as long as they promote collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and effective dissemination of research outcomes. Selected projects will receive funding and support to engage with the academic community and beyond, strengthening networks and ensuring a lasting impact. Please visit our website to explore the types of projects we support and gain insight into the themes and formats GCE-HSG has prioritized so far.

Limitations:

For budgeting purposes, the following funding limits apply: workshops can receive up to 8,000 CHF, three-day conferences up to 12,000 CHF, and one-week summer schools up to 15,000 CHF. Proposals for individual book publications will not be considered.

How to Apply:

Before submitting your application, please consult our detailed guidelines for eligibility and application requirements. All project applicants will be notified of the selection outcome by 15 February 2025.

Required Documents:

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• Application form and budget outline with a breakdown of costs
• CV of all applicants, including a list of relevant publications (max. 3 pages per CV).
• Confirmation from the institution that will receive the project funds.

The submission deadline is January 10, 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Please ensure you send your application, along with all required documents, to gce-info@unisg.ch.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and supporting innovative research that enhances the understanding of the Black Sea region.