February 2008, Issue no 63
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

European Commission DG Education and Culture - MEDIA (2007-2013) - Training
Application deadline: March 14, 2008


This is a training programme for professionals in the European audio-visual programme industry. It intends to help people in the audio-visual industry to adapt to the European and international dimension of the market by promoting continuous vocational training and the use of new technologies.

The operational objectives of the MEDIA Training are:
1. Strengthen the skills of European audiovisual professionals in order to improve the quality and potential of European audiovisual works. The programme will support action in the following areas:
· Training in new audiovisual technologies - develop the professionals' capacity to use digital technologies, in particular in their work fields.
· Training in economic, financial and commercial management - to develop the professionals' ability to grasp and integrate the European dimension into their work by improving expertise in the following fields: business skills (such as management, accounting, marketing, pitching and presentation); production; distribution/exhibition; legal and financial aspects of co-production; understanding international markets; networking and accessing international markets.
· Training in script-writing techniques - to enable experienced scriptwriters to improve their capacities to develop techniques based on traditional and interactive methods of writing, notably in the fields of: dramatic and visual writing techniques; identifying target audiences; international standards of scriptwriting and script presentation; creative collaboration between writers, script editors, producers, directors, DOPs.
2. Improve the European dimension of audiovisual training activities: encourage exchanges and cooperation, in supporting the networking between existing training institutions and partners of the professional sector and the training activities for trainers.

Priority for this call: Exchanges and cooperation between Higher education institutions, training organisations and partners in the professional sector. This should contribute to the networking and mobility of students and trainers in Europe and facilitate the integration of students in the professional sector. The cooperation of the European training professionals will take the form of pan-European consortia. Each consortium will put in place an associated work plan. This work plan shall focus on audiovisual skills needs that are not sufficiently met within Europe.

The maximum Community funding is 50% of project costs.

Eligible Target Groups: Students from film schools or from any other Higher education institutions where skills / competences applying to the audiovisual sector are taught (for instance: business schools in case of future producers); Trainers from film schools or from any other Higher education institutions where skills / competences applying to the audiovisual sector are taught.

How to apply:
The programme is open to film and television schools, universities, specialist vocational training establishments, private companies from the industry and organisations/professional associations specialising in the audiovisual sector; Applications from individuals are not accepted. Eligible applicant consortium: applicants must take the form of pan-European consortia, which must be composed of at least 3 organisations, including minimum 2 Higher education institutions, and coming from at least 3 countries participating in the MEDIA Programme. Contact the Media Desk or Antennae in your country for further help: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/overview/who/desks/index_en.htm.

Countries eligible to apply: 27 EU Member States, EEA and EFTA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, Croatia (depending on co-operation agreements).

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/training/forms/index_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/training/forms/docs/2008/guidelines_03_2008_en.pdf
E-mail: EACEA-P8@ec.europa.eu


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Gulliver Connect
Application deadline: March 15, 2008


The Central European Foundation (Bratislava), Kulturkontakt (Austria) and The Felix Meritis Foundation (Amsterdam) are proud to present a new call for application for work placements in 2008. Thanks to a large network of cultural organisations throughout Europe and beyond, Gulliver Connect offers hands-on work experience. It's unique ability is to use such an extensive range of host organisations to match the individual talents of young people. And it enables the host organisations to find valuable working partners in future.

The work placements will lead to new professional skills and establish new forms of international co-operation. Both the visitor and the host organisation benefit from each other's working practices. They share information, experiences and ideas, and establish far reaching professional contacts. By creating a dynamic network Gulliver Connect adds a new dimension to the social, artistic and cultural development of Europe and beyond - a stepping stone for the future co-operation in the arts.

This new call for applications is those who wish to apply as visitors and/or hosts organisations from Albania, Austria, Armenia, Azerbadjian, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia. Bursaries of approximately 1.500 EUROS each will be available to cover the costs for the work placement, travel, accommodation and daily allowance for the period between 3 - 6 weeks, if feasible within the budget.

More information
Website: http://www.gulliverconnect.org


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Committee of the Regions (COR) - Traineeships
Application deadline: March 31, 2008


Each year, the Committee of the Regions (CoR) provides a limited number of internships for young citizens, from Europe and elsewhere, offering them the opportunity to acquire work experience in a European institution. Two types of internships are available: long-term paid traineeships (‘stages’) or short-term unpaid study periods (‘séjours d'étude’).

Long-terms paid traineeships
Each year, the CoR offers young university graduates a limited number of five-month traineeships (stages). These training periods involve work experience in one of the Committee of the Regions' services, and run from 16 February until 15 July (spring traineeships) or from 16 September until 15 February (autumn traineeships).

The purpose of the organisation of traineeships in the CoR is: to give an idea of the objectives and problems of European integration, to provide practical knowledge of the working of its departments, to enable trainees to acquire personal experience, to enable trainees to develop and put into practice the knowledge they have acquired during their studies or personal careers.

Trainees are selected from nationals of the EU Member States. However a limited number of nationals of non-member countries may be accepted.

Applicants must:
· Either hold a university degree (or an equivalent diploma) awarded after at least three years of study, or have successfully completed at least four years (eight semesters) of university studies; or be employed in the public or private sector, provided that they have a university or equivalent degree or have been engaged for at least three years in planning or advisory duties.
· Have a thorough knowledge of one official Community language and a satisfactory knowledge of one other (for applicants from EU Member States), or have a good knowledge of one of the Community languages (for applicants from non-Member States). It is preferable to have a good command of at least one of the main working languages of the Committee of the Regions (English or French).
· Must in principle be less than thirty years old at the beginning of their traineeship. However, when good reasons exist, a derogation to the age limit can be granted at the applicant's request. For that purpose, the applicant must send a specific written request to the Traineeship Office, setting out the appropriate justification for such an exemption

A training grant may be awarded. This grant is currently EUR 1000 per month and a monthly supplement of EUR 100 is given to married trainees whose spouses are not gainfully employed.

Short term unpaid study periods
The CoR also offers short unpaid study periods (séjours d'étude) within one of its services to persons whose professional, academic or research activities indicate that they would familiarise with the Committee's practical workings and/or policies. The nature of the tasks to be fulfilled by trainees depends largely on the unit to which they are assigned; while some units are more political, others are more administrative.

Applicants must:
· Either hold a university degree (or an equivalent diploma) awarded after at least three years of study, and be able to show that they need to deepen their knowledge of the CoR for reasons related to their professional, academic or research activities.
· Or be a staff member of a national, regional or local administration participating in an exchange programme with the CoR. Students can as a general rule only apply for this kind of internship at the CoR if they are pursuing post-graduate studies.
· Have a good command of at least one of the main working languages of the Committee of the Regions (English or French).

All expenses during the study period are to be covered by the beneficiaries: they receive no grant, nor any other financial support from the CoR. The maximum duration for an unpaid traineeship is 4 months. There are no fixed deadlines for unpaid study periods.

More information
Website: http://cor.europa.eu/EN/presentation/contact_us_traineeships.htm
E-mail: trainee@cor.eu.int


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European Commission DG Education and Culture - Europe for Citizens, Action 1 Active citizenship for Europe, Town Twinning
Application deadline: April 1 and June 1, 2008 (for 1.1), December 1, 2008 (for 1.2)


Town twinning is aimed at activities that involve or promote direct exchanges between European citizens through their participation in town twinning activities and encourage networking and cooperation between twinned towns.

1.1. Town twinning citizens' meetings
Town twinning citizens' meetings consist in bringing together a wide range of citizens and citizens' groups from twinned towns, taking benefit of the partnership between the municipalities for developing strong, informal and personal relations between their citizens.
Those meetings should present the following three features: Commitment to European integration; Friendships in Europe - to foster mutual understanding and friendship between people from the twinned towns, Active participation - Town twinning citizens' meetings should be an experience of active civic participation at local level.

Town twinning citizens' meetings must:
· Be organised in the framework of already existing or prospective town twinning arrangements between towns and municipalities in the eligible countries
· Involve municipalities from at least two participating countries, from which at least one is an EU Member State
· Involve the following minimum number of participants:
- in bilateral meetings: at least ten participants from the invited municipality
- in multilateral meetings (more than two municipalities involved): at least five participants from each invited municipality.
· The maximum accepted duration of the meeting is 21 days.
The maximum grant to be awarded is EUR 20,000 per project, the minimum EUR 2,000 per project.

Eligible applicants: the municipality in which the meeting takes place, or its twinning association/twinning committee with a legal status (legal personality), and be established in a participating country.

1.2. The thematic networking of twinned towns
Thematic networking between municipalities on issues of common interest enables informed discussions and exchange of good practice. Support is given to thematic conferences and workshops involving at least three towns, developed within the framework of town twinning. Communication tools produced in the context of these events with the aim of promoting a structured and sustainable thematic networking may also be supported.

Conferences and workshops must:
· Correspond to the objectives of this Programme and to the concept of networking of twinned towns
· Take place in the framework of town twinning and in one of the participating countries
· Involve at least a total of 20 participants from at least three municipalities from three different participating countries of which at least one is an EU Member State
· Present a balanced participation of the delegations involved: at least 25% of the participants must come from eligible countries other than the host country
· Have a minimum duration of 1 day and maximum 3 days.
The minimum grant to be awarded is EUR 3,5000 per project.

Eligible applicants: municipalities and twinning committees, local and regional governments, associations representing local authorities, be from 27 EU Member States. The programme can also be opened to other countries, according to the agreements signed: EFTA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; candidate countries: Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Turkey; countries from the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia (incl. Kosovo).

More information
Website: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/citizenship/action1/towntwinning/funding_en.htm
E-mail: eacea-p7@ec.europa.eu


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European Commission - IPA Information and Communication Programme, Support for Actions Promoting a Better Informed Public Debate about EU Enlargement in the Candidate and Potential Candidate Countries
Application deadline: April 17, 2008


The objectives of the initiatives to be supported are:
· To familiarise media professionals, including trainees in these professions, with sources of information as well as information tools and techniques with a view to strengthening their professionalism and to thus contribute to the development of free and independent media
· To better equip media professionals in enlargement countries to inform about EU policies as well as subjects related to the reform process on the way to EU membership in a user-friendly language and form accessible to the general public or relevant specific audiences
· To encourage researchers in academia and/or think tanks to promote the dissemination of research results about benefits and challenges of the preparation for membership.

An important criterion for selecting proposals in the context of this call for proposals is the expected multiplier effect, i.e. reaching a maximum audience, or reaching groups of multipliers, or serving as a model for similar communication actions by relevant actors, the expected mid and long term impact of the actions proposed and the sustainability of the communication synergies to be established beyond the duration of the supported project.

The overall indicative amount made available under this call for proposals is EUR 550.000. Any grant awarded under this programme must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts: EUR 30.000 – 120.000. In addition, no grant may exceed 90 % of the total eligible costs of the action.

Eligible actors should be nationals of a Member State of the European Union, a country that is a beneficiary of the Council Regulation (EC) N° 1085/2006, of 17 July 2006, establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), a country that is a beneficiary of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, or a Member State of the European Economic Area.

The planned duration of an action may not exceed 12 months. The actions must deal with EU policies relevant to the priority themes of the EU integration process in the candidate and potential candidate countries. Actions must take place in one or more of the following countries: EU member States and candidate and potential candidate countries.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/call_for_proposals/ipa_call_en.htm
E-mail: ELARG-A2-DebateACT@ec.europa.eu


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United Nations - Internship Programme at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Application deadline: April 30 and October 31, 2008


The aim of the internship is to increase the intern's understanding of current human rights issues at the international level and give an insight into the work of the United Nations and OHCHR in particular and provide OHCHR and the United Nations Human Rights mechanisms with the assistance and contribution of outstanding students or graduates.

Interns will be involved, inter alia, in: researching human rights issues, drafting analytical papers and reports, providing substantive and technical servicing of meetings, preventing backlog from fact-finding and technical cooperation activities as well as field operations and supporting other OHCHR activities.

Participants must be graduate students and holders of graduate level degrees in disciplines related to the work of the United Nations,e.g. International law, Political Science, History, Social Sciences. Preference will be given to those who have specialized in human rights issues.

United Nations internships are not remunerated. Travel costs and living expenses must be met by the interns themselves. Applicants must be sponsored by an academic institution and must have a good command of at least two of the six official languages of the United Nations, i.e. English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese.

Internships are for a minimum period of three months and may be renewed once for a further three-month period. Interns are selected twice a year.

More information
Website: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/hchr/genif.htm


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European Parliament Ombudsman – Traineeships
Application deadline: April 30, 2008


The European Ombudsman offers a limited number of traineeships which are intended to enable the trainees to add to the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies by giving them practical experience. Trainees are required to work under the direct supervision of a Legal Officer. They normally must undertake either investigation of complaints or the carrying out of research relevant to the work of the Ombudsman or both.

The traineeships are normally for a duration of four months and can be extended up to a maximum of 11 months.

The level of financial support for trainees in receipt of external support will be determined on an individual basis. Scholarships are available to trainees who do not have other means of financial support for a period of three months. The value of scholarships is 25% of the basic salary of staff on grade A*6 step 1, including a household allowance, where appropriate.

Trainees are selected on an individual basis. The applicant should normally be a national from an EU Member State, have a university degree in law, and be at an advanced stage of professional training or research in Community law, be able to work in at least two of the official languages of the European Communities. Knowledge of French and English, which are the working languages of the European Ombudsman's Office, is required.

More information
Website: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ombudsman/trainee/en/rules.htm
E-mail: euro-ombudsman@europarl.eu.int


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The Centre for Advanced Study Sofia – Fellowships - Second Call for applications
Application deadline: May 1, 2008


The Centre for Advanced Study Sofia (Bulgaria) announces the Second Call for Applications for fellowships under the international research project Shaken Order: Authority and Social Trust in Post-Communist Societies (Case Studies in Law).

The 2008/ 2009 fellowship programme is open to doctoral and post-doctoral researchers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia working in the area of the social sciences and humanities. Three researchers working in the area of the social sciences and humanities will be enrolled as Fellows for a period of 9 months.

More information
Website: www.cas.bg
E-mail: cas@cas.bg


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Court of Justice - Traineeship
Application deadline: May 1, 2008


The Court of Justice offers a limited number of traineeships each year. They are divided in paid traineeships in the general services of the institution and unpaid traineeships within the cabinets of the Members of the Court. The purpose of the traineeships is to make the trainee aware of the activities of the Court and for the trainee to complete a specific task which would benefit the Court.

Trainees are required to be citizens of a Member State of the EU, have a university degree in Law or Political Science (law should be dominant), if necessary complemented by a post-graduate diploma, or equivalent professional experience, have a perfect knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU, and a good knowledge of a second. A good knowledge of French is however highly recommended.

Training in the cabinets of the Members of the Court is unpaid and last maximum six months. The trainees in the cabinets will only be active in cases which have not been deliberated. Candidates have to send their request and curriculum vitae directly to the cabinet Members. Training in the other services of the institution is paid and last maximum five months. The Court of Justice offers bursaries up to EUR 1.115.

More information
Website: http://curia.europa.eu/en/instit/presentationfr/index_emplois_stag.htm


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Max Weber Center - Robert Bosch Doctoral Scholarships for Future Executives from Turkey
Application deadline: May 15, 2008


The program aims to intensify contacts between Germany and Turkey, attract future young executives from Turkey and improve the exchange between academic theory and non-academic practice. Potential fields for the professional careers of young executives are government, administration, think tanks, research, media, and the economy. Scholarships are made available from 1 October 2008 onwards.

The Max Weber Center for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies is a specialist institution at the University of Erfurt. It combines an Institute for Advanced Study with a Graduate School: internationally renowned scholars from different disciplines (sociology, economics, religious studies, law, philosophy, theology and history) are appointed as Fellows on a non-permanent basis. Their work contributes to the research program of the Center. Fellows appointed at the Center pursue research projects that contribute to the core themes of the Center and offer expert knowledge to doctoral candidates and to post-doctoral researchers working in similar fields of research.

The scholarship amounts to 820 EUR/month and can be granted for up to three years. Every fellow is entitled to a work station at the Max Weber Center in Erfurt. Residence in Erfurt and attendance at the Center's seminars, workshops, and public lectures are mandatory.

Applications for a Robert Bosch Scholarship at the Center are welcome from Turkish nationals who are holders of excellent qualifications in any of the disciplines represented at the Center or in related disciplines. Successful applicants may register for the degree of Dr. rer. pol, Dr. jur. or Dr. phil. according to their area of specialization. Applicants should possess working-level knowledge of German and English. We provide an intensive language course for all accepted candidates. For this course 400 hours of German language courses taken prior to application are indispensable.

Applications include an outline of the research proposal (5-10 pages), curriculum vitae, copy of the certificate of the university degree with final grades, one copy of the final undergraduate or Master's Thesis, and a letter of recommendation.

More information
E-mail: bettina.hollstein@uni-erfurt.de (Dr. Bettina Hollstein)


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European Parliament - Traineeships and Study Visits
Application deadline: May 15, 2008


Traineeships
The European Parliament offers different traineeships within its Secretariat in order to contribute to the vocational training of young citizens, and to the understanding of the working of the institution. General conditions: be citizen of a Member State of the EU, or of an applicant country; be aged 18 or over on the traineeship starting date; have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU, and a good knowledge of two others; not have been awarded any other (paid/unpaid) traineeship by or paid employment of an institution of the EU. A small number of citizens of third countries may be awarded traineeship in the European Parliament.

Paid Traineeships cover:
1. Robert Schuman scholarships, general option (primarily economics, law, political science etc.)
2. Robert Schuman scholarships, journalism option
Criteria: have a university degree after a course or study of at least three years' duration; submit written reference from university lecturer or from a professional person. Paid traineeships shall be awarded for a period of five months.

Unpaid Traineeships are for a duration of one to four months. It offers young citizens the opportunity to complete a traineeship: as part of their course at university or equivalent institution; of a high-level vocational training organised by a non-profit-making body; of a requirement for access to a profession.

The study visits are intended to provide citizens of the European Union with opportunities for more detailed study of specific subjects relating to European integration, either through consultation of documents in the European Parliament's libraries or archives or through contacts with MEPs or specialist officials. Maximum duration of the study visit is one month.

More information
Website: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/pdf/traineeships/general_rules_en.pdf
E-mail: stages@europarl.eu.int


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European Parliament - Traineeships for People with a Disability
Application deadline: May 15, 2008


The European Parliament is offering paid traineeships to people with a disability. These traineeships are open both to graduates of universities or equivalent institutions and to people whose qualifications are below university level. The programme offers five-month paid traineeships to disabled candidates, and is run in addition to the other options for traineeships and study visits in the Secretariat of the European Parliament. The main purpose of the programme is to offer a number of people with disabilities a meaningful work experience as a trainee in the European Parliament, giving them an opportunity to familiarise themselves with its activities.

Applicants for this programme of paid traineeship must: be nationals of a Member State of the EU or of an applicant country; be over 18 years of age; have thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU and good knowledge of a second; not have been awarded any other paid traineeship, or have been in paid employment for more than four consecutive weeks, with a European institution or a Member or political group of the European Parliament; certify that they have a disability.

The monthly allowance for trainees is EUR 1119.37. Trainees' additional costs directly related to the disability may be covered up to a maximum of 50% of the amount of the monthly scholarship. If need be, trainees will be provided with reasonable accommodation at work to enable them to carry out the essential functions of the job to which they are assigned.

More information
Website: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/pdf/traineeships/traineeship_programme_disability_en.pdf
Email: stages@europarl.eu.int


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European Commission European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) - Enhancing Respect for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Countries and Regions Where They Are Most at Risk
Application deadline: June 10, 2008


The global objective will be to enhance respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms where human security is most at risk and where human rights defenders are under most pressure. The aim is to contribute to improving the situation and bringing long term positive changes in these countries. The specific objective is to support civil society organisations where they operate with difficulty and where there is little room for political pluralism with the view of promoting a holistic approach to human rights and embodying a pluralistic and non-discriminatory view of society.

In that regard, eligible actors under this Call for Proposals will be primarily civil society organisations (CSOs), preferably based in the country itself, in the region or in the European Union, without geographical restrictions. CSOs may include independent political foundations and/or international parliamentary bodies and/or democratic political partners provided that the principle of impartiality is respected.

The overall indicative amount made available under this Call for Proposals is EUR 11,492.917 from the 2007 budget. Any grant awarded under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts: EUR 150,000 - 1,200,000. A grant may not be for less than 50 % of the total eligible costs of the action. A grant may not normally exceed 80% of the total eligible costs of the action However, considering the objective of this Call for Proposals, aiming at supporting actions in countries and regions where human rights and fundamental freedoms are most at risk, a grant may cover the entire eligible costs of the action if this is essential to carry it out.

The initial planned duration of an action may not be lower than 18 months nor exceed 36 months

The proposed actions will contribute directly in a given country or region to improving the situation relating to at least one of the following themes:
· The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion
· The right to freedom of opinion and expression, to information and to communicate, including freedom of the media, fight against censorship, and access to the Internet
· The right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, including the right to form and join a trade union
· The right to freedom of movement within the borders of a state, and the right to leave any country, including one’s own, and to return to one’s country.

The present Call for Proposals does not include any list of focus countries or regions. It is up to the grant applicant to specify them, with reference to independent monitoring reports and/or external indicators commonly agreed. The indicators contribute to establishing the relevance of the action: the graver the situation, the higher the priority. Actions addressing the above-mentioned situations may take place at country, regional or global level.

Actions should include an appropriate mix of activities such as: Monitoring, Public information and awareness-raising, Capacity building, Dialogues with key stakeholders, Advocacy and lobbying, Where possible, building broad coalitions of support among a wide range of local stakeholders and civil society organisations, Empowering local populations, etc.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/cgi/frame12.pl ('By region'/'All'/'Open'/'Grants')
E-mail: EuropeAid-FFRC2007@ec.europa.eu


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Civilacademy Journal of Social Sciences - Call for papers
Application deadline: March 5, 2008


Civilacademy Journal of Social Science is a student-based publication sponsored by Fatih University. The Journal is published three times once in every four months by ‘Civilacademy Social Sciences Society’.

Civilacademy Journal of Social Science accepts submissions for an open topics issue. We seek fresh, critical approaches in interdisciplinary fields, as well as studies that reflect new directions. Submission is open to the general public. As a social science journal, Civilacademy Journal of Social Science includes especially essays on politics, international relations, management, economy, public administration, communication, anthropology, folklore, history, religion, sociology, literature, psychology, philosophy, media studies, women's or gender studies, cultural studies, working-class studies, ethnic studies but the fields are not limited.

Papers should be in both Turkish and English. Papers that are submitted to Civilacademy Journal of Social Sciences for publication should not be under review at other journals.

More information
E-mail: civilacademy@gmail.com
aydinozipek@hotmail.com


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Hajde da... Group – ‘Europe. New Borders, New Challenges’ Training course, April 14 – 22, 2008, Fruska Gora, Serbia
Application deadline: March 10, 2008


This training course will be focused on providing skills to youth workers/leaders how to deal with stereotypes and prejudice in border region and stimulate quality cooperation within the framework of Youth in Action, between those regions that can be further separated now, than in the past, due to a new EU borders.

Participants profile: youth workers, youth leaders, trainers and multipliers with certain experience in Youth in Action Programme activities and a strong wish to improve the quality of their ongoing or future project.
The participants have to:
· Be aged between 18 and 35
· Be from eligible countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania and Serbia
· Be highly motivated to work in intercultural surrounding and learn from it and in it
· Be actively involved in a youth organisation (e.g. coordinators and trainers of upcoming exchanges and EVS projects)
· Already working with the Youth in Action Programme and have a certain experience in the field
· Have proven personal and organizational interest in this training
· Be willing to continue SEE-Programme country cooperation after the training
· Be in position of multiplying the outcomes of training
· Be willing to participate actively - including carrying out preparation work prior to the training
· Be available to participate in all days
· Be able to work in English.

This project is financially supported by the European Commission's Youth in Action Programme.

More information
Website: www.hajdeda.org.yu


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Transitions Online – Education Reform in South Eastern Europe - Call for articles
Application deadline: middle of March 2008


Transitions Online (TOL), a media development non-governmental organization based in Prague, is commissioning an article series on education reform across various target regions, including Southeastern Europe, on behalf of the Open Society Institute's Education Support Program. We are looking for articles on the education reform process in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.

The articles are meant to be ‘snapshots’ summarizing, in a manner accessible to non-experts, the state of education in the target countries. In particular, the stories will focus on disparities and effective strategies to address them, namely:
· Social exclusion: equal access to quality education for low income families
· Desegregation of children from minority groups
· Inclusion and adequate care for children with special needs
· Openness and accountability in education systems and education reforms: equitable and efficient state expenditures on education
· Anticorruption and transparency; accountable governance and management
· Open society values in education: social justice and social action
· Diversity and pluralism
· Critical and creative thinking.
Not every issue will be tackled in each report, but these topics will serve as a guideline. You are free to decide which themes are of greatest urgency and relevance for your country.

The style will be journalistic, rather than academic, with on-site interviews with the relevant experts. The average length of the articles will be between 1,200-1,500 words. The pay is $250 USD.

More information
E-mail: ironsidek@tol.org (Kristy Ironside)


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‘Reason and Faith at the Beginning of the Third Millennium’ International Conference, October 9 – 11, 2008, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Application deadline: March 15, 2008


Organized by the Babes-Bolyai University in collaboration with UNESCO-European Centre for Higher Education (UNESCO-CEPES) and Istituto Italiano di Cultura.

The relevance and importance of the topic of this meeting needs to be seen taking into consideration that:
· Both on the scientific and cultural European scene the issue has become a keen subject as a consequence of the dissolution of positivism and of the dangers of fundamentalism
· Scientists and philosophers pertaining to the contemporary Enlightenment and seminal theologians jointly accuse ‘pathologies of reason’ and ‘pathologies of faith’ in nowadays civilizations
· Within Judaism, Christianity and Islam there is concern to strengthen the solidarity of faith with the rational approach of ultimate realities
· In the era of the most rapid expansion of sciences, of the most innovative philosophical hypotheses and the resurgence of religion, the classical perspectives on the relationship between reason and faith necessitate an in-depth re-evaluation within the frameworks/within new frames of reference of a new epoch.

The conference will include the following topics for its sessions:
· Reason and Faith at the beginning of the twenty first century. The expansion of science and the resurgence of religion.
· Contemporary pathologies. ‘Pathologies of reason’ and ‘pathologies of faith’ in civilizations today.
· Science and its conditioning.
· A Re-examination of the classical perspectives on the relationship between reason and faith.
· Solidarity of faith by rational approaches within the monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam).

This announcement also represents a first call for papers that we invite to be submitted (title and 50-80 words abstract) by e-mail.

More information
E-mail: m_merutiu@yahoo.com (Dr. Monica Merutiu)
aeimoldovan@gmail.com (Ana Elena Moldovan)


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Transitland EUROPA Commissioned Videos - Call for proposals
Application deadline: March 15, 2008


Transitland EUROPA invites artists, filmmakers, documentarists, and activists from the 10 new EU member-states to submit proposals for producing new videos that creatively interpret the phenomenon of transition. A jury will select 10 proposals, each receiving an award of 3000 euro for production, including expenses and fee.

Transitland EUROPA is a collaborative project between InterSpace in Bulgaria (http://www.i-space.org), D Media in Romania (http://www.dmedia.ro) and Videoaktiv in Germany (www.videoaktiv-berlin.org) to create a video archive of 100 works spanning 20 years, starting from the fall of the Berlin wall. Since much of the history of the new European countries is being represented from the outside, this is an attempt to present a history from within. The archive will serve as a visual timeline of transition - from the shape of the revolutions, to the role of the media and consumerism, the various histories of privatisation, delocalisation, and migration, to the erasure of old borders and the creation of new ones.

90 already existing works (1989 to 2008) and 10 newly commissioned videos (2008) will be selected for the archive by a jury of co-organisers and external experts. The output of the project includes the production of archive jukeboxes and DVD compilations that will travel to different venues in Europe, a website and online version of the archive for international access, the production and distribution of a print publication and DVD insert, and a combination of screenings, exhibitions and conferences in Bulgaria, Romania and Germany in 2009.

Eligibility: Artists, filmmakers, documentarists, activists from Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia are eligible. There are no age restrictions.

Genres: Documentary, docu-fiction, experimental narrative, poetic monologue, or hybrid forms on the edge of documentary are welcome (fiction film and documentation of artistic performance are excluded). Length: 15 - 45 minutes

The proposed video should connect to the theme of Transitland EUROPA - transition in the former communist countries, preferably with a focus on the recent changes following last 2 accession rounds. It is possible, but not required, for the video to engage one of these subtopics:
1. The meaning of communism and postcommunism and the significance of the revolutions
2. New forms of activism and civic engagement, and the meaning of civil society
3. The changing role of the mass-media, advertising and consumer culture
4. Markets and labour: privatisation, delocalisation, migration, precarity, social protections
5. Borders: disintegration of old unions, creation of new ones, territorial re-mappings, wars
6. Nationalisms: old & new forms of fascism, discrimination of ethnic minorities & human rights
7. Gender: commodification of sexuality, changing gender representations, inequality of labour

Proposals are submitted by completing the application form, downloadable from the project website, with the following sections, which together should not exceed 3 pages: detailed concept description (overall idea, format, montage, style, etc.), description and timeline of implementation and budget plan of how the 3000 euro commission will be used.

The following additional materials are required for the application: CV (up to 4 pages), 2-3 samples of previous works. You can send DVDs with full videos/films, or a selection of 5-10 minute excerpts in avi, mpeg, mov or
ogg format. You may also send a portfolio of previous projects with texts and images (in pdf format). Materials will not be returned. The signed application form should be sent by post along with the CV and samples of previous works to the address:
InterSpace Association
27 Benkovski str, entrance 2, floor 1, ap. 18
1000 Sofia - Bulgaria

More information
Website: http://www.transitland.eu
E-mail: info@transitland.eu


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‘Giving a stronger voice to civil society in the EU neighbourhood’ International Conference, April 2, 2008, Brdo, Slovenia
Application deadline: March 15, 2008


The Conference on the role of civil society in the European neighbourhood - particularly the Eastern European partners of the European Neighbourhood Policy and countries which are part of the accession process - is well placed into the context of the Slovenian Presidency and its priorities: Western Balkans, European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement policy. Both the European Neighbourhood Policy and enlargement policy underline the role of civil society in the process of democratization and further integration into the EU. Organised under the auspices of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency, this conference provides an excellent opportunity for civil society to send a political message to the EU regarding the need to develop a coherent and coordinated strategy for the sustainable civil society development beyond EU borders.

This event is part of a process (ITS Advocacy Campaign) to launch a debate at EU and national levels on creating sustainable partnership relations between civil society actors, the EU and national authorities. Three international conferences will be held within this framework: the Brussels conference, which was already held in October 2007, the Brdo conference on ‘Giving stronger voice to civil society in the EU neighbourhood’ scheduled for April 2008 and the concluding conference to be held in Zadar in September 2008.

This Conference is expected to result in Declaration in the form of policy recommendations on building civil dialogue and partnership relations between civil society, national governments and EU institutions as well as on enhancing the role of civil society organizations as development actors by engaging them into the dialogue on aid effectiveness.

The Conference is organized by CNVOS - Centre for Information Service, Co-operation and Development of NGOs and ECAS - European Citizen Action Service under the auspices of the Slovenian Presidency and in cooperation with the Government Communication Office and the Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia in the framework of the Management Partnership.

More information
Website: www.ecas.org
E-mail: eu@cnvos.si


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ESoDoc Workshop
Application deadline: March 18, 2008


The ESoDoc workshop is a training initiative intended for TV documentary, NGO and NPO (non profit) sector professionals with some audio-visual experience, especially targeting NGO field workers who want to use film in their work and new media specialists with a human rights, environmental protection perspective. ESoDoc is promoted by the ZeLIG School for Documentary, Television and New Media (Bolzano-Italy), and supported by the EU’s Media Plus Programme.

ESoDoc offers three 1-week workshops, held over a 6-month period, during which participants, either individually or in groups, develop projects based on specific Social Documentary themes.

Number of Participants: 22 participants in all, desirably with an equal balance of men and women, West and East Europe. Participants will be chosen on the basis of professional background and motivation, sensitivity to social and environmental issues; and on the basis of the project proposal.

Cost per participant is 1.200 euro, which includes tuition, room and board (600 euro for participants from new member states). The fee does not include travelling expenses. Limited number of scholarship funding is available.

Applications must include the following to be considered for admission: Completed application form, Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages, 3000 characters), Motivations (max. 1 page, 1500 characters), Previous professional works (max. 1 film or artistic works), A fresh project proposal pertaining to workshop theme (max. 1 page, 1500 characters). All application materials must be type-written or printed, and include applicant’s first name and last name, 5 copies of each part of the application. No other material shall be taken into consideration.

More information
Website: http://www.esodoc.eu/
E-mail: info@zeligfilm.it


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World Bank - International Essay Competition
Application deadline: March 23, 2008


The World Bank in co-operation with the Cities Alliance and the Government of Norway invites you to participate in an International Essay Competition ‘Wanted: Your practical ideas - by sharing your experience and ideas on 'Shaping the City of Your Dreams'.

Answer the three topic questions:
1) Think about the city you live in. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for people living there?
2) What needs to be done to transform your city into the city of your dreams?
3) What could be your role, working together with your peers, in shaping the city of your dreams? Please focus on one or two points you mentioned in question 2)

Write an essay answering these questions, and have the chance to be one of the winners. Winning essays will be chosen for their originality, clarity and use of thoughtful yet concrete proposals for building a secure future. Applicants are free to develop their essays in any way they find to be the most convincing.

Criteria:
The competition is open for nationals of ALL countries of the world, students and non-students alike, aged 18-25. Students enrolled in Ph.D. courses are, however, not eligible to participate. Essays should be submitted by individuals. Each participant can only submit one essay.

Awards include: a grand prize of $5,000, runner-up prizes of $1,000, authors of the best essays (finalists) will be invited to participate in the Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics (ABCDE) in Cape Town, South Africa. The World Bank will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for the finalists.

The submission process for the Essay Competition is entirely Internet-based. Essays submitted by email or post will not be accepted.

More information
Website: http://www.essaycompetition.org
E-mail: info@essaycompetition.org


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Border Crossings Network - 6th International Graduate and Undergraduate Student Conference ‘Rethinking Balkan Identities: The dynamics of Space and Time’, May 22 – 25, 2008, Korca, Albania - Call for Papers
Application deadline: March 25, 2008


The conference aims in developing cross-border cooperation in the areas of social anthropology, Balkan studies and other social science disciplines. Eventual subtopics might comprise (though are not limited to): cultural heritage and cultural diversity; disciplinary crossings and boundaries, past and present; space and place in SE Europe; emerging anthropological fields; social memory; urban and rural studies; visual cultures; crossing cultures (ideas, social networks, practices); culturalism, racism, exclusivism and intolerance; transnational networks and connections; work and leisure; ethnic minorities and nationalities; folk traditions, invented traditions, popular cultures.

Organizers: Border Crossings Network, Institute of Popular Culture, Academy of Tirana, Albania, Municipality of Korca, Department of History and Archeology, University of Ioannina, Department of Ethnology, St. Cyril and Methodious University, Skopje, Department of Balkans Studies, University of Western Macedonia, Florina.

The conference is open to all undergraduate and M.A. students from universities members of the Border Crossings Network as well as other students from the area and beyond who might find the network interesting. There are capacities for approximately one hundred participants. Students are expected to present their papers in any way related to the main topic of the conference. The presentation should not exceed ten minutes (plus 5 minutes for discussion). Power point and multimedia presentations are welcome.

Applicants should send their personal data, including university affiliation, and paper abstracts (around 15 lines) by e-mail, as well as to the responsible coordinator at the home university.

There is no conference fee. However, the organisers are not in position to cover travel costs and the cost of accommodation for participants. Under request, the organisers might subsidize basic accommodation costs for students from lower-income countries. Participants will be accommodated in double or triple hotel rooms at an A class Hotel in Korca. The cost for accommodation, including breakfast, is 20 EUR per night for participants coming from EU countries (excluding Rumania and Bulgaria) and 10 EUR per night for participants coming from other countries. Participants should make their own travelling arrangements. The closest to Korca international airports are those of Tirana, Thessaloniki and Skopje. A bus will run from Florina to Korca on the 22/5/2008 and from Korca to Florina on the 25/8/2008.

Other conference activities: Excursion around the Korca region, visit to the town of Voskopoj, Dinner feast in the Vlach village of Boboshti, Albanian and Balkan music performance.

More information
Website: http://www.technologiki.com/BorderCrossings/Conferences/conference_1.html
E-mail: bordcros08@yahoo.gr


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Conflict Management in the Balkans Program, June 14 - July 6, 2008, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Application deadline: March 31, 2008 (for scholarships please apply earlier)


The Conflict Management in the Balkans Program offers an amazing opportunity to examine past conflicts and consequences firsthand. This fully-accredited summer program is ideal for students of international relations, political science, Slavic studies, and anyone interested in peace and justice. The Balkans will be your classroom as you learn from eminent academics and experts, representatives from NATO/UN/OSCE and other key intergovernmental organizations, as well as from people who have lived through these conflicts.

Program Highlights:
· Study Tour to past flashpoints of conflict like Vukovar, Sarajevo, Mostar, and Brcko
· Conflict Seminar of stimulating lectures, discussions and site visits
· Excellent teaching, library and computing facilities
· Site visits to state agencies, intergovernmental organizations and NGOs
· Residence halls within five minutes' walking distance of class
· Exciting musical and cultural festivals
· Optional activities in the Alps and the Adriatic Sea.

Optional UN seminars on Peacekeeping in the Former Yugoslavia as well as Global Terrorism will follow immediately afterwards.

This program is hosted and accredited by the Faculty of Social Sciences (FDV) at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia's largest and most prestigious university. FDV is housed in a modern facility with electronically equipped lecture rooms, a research library, cafeteria and outdoor café. All lectures will be taught in English.

More information
Website: http://www.academic-solutions.com/slovenia/index_slo.htm
E-mail: ryan@academic-solutions.com (Ryan Lorenz, Director)


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Balkan Case Challenge 2008 - International Case Study Competition
Application deadline: March 31, 2008


WUS Austria invites exceptional students from Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Kosovo UNMIK, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia, who study law, economics, political sciences, international relations, information technologies or related disciplines to take part in the Balkan Case Challenge 2008.

On an international level the BCC International Case Study Competition will be held between 6th of July and 11th of July 2008, Sub-Competitions will be held in the respective countries/region between mid of April and mid of May 2008.

The around 140 winners out of all the Sub-Competitions will compete in the competition in Vienna. Prerequisite for participants to compete in the Sub-Competitions is a successful admission via an online process, following established criteria.

At both competition levels students participate in of the four different disciplines: Business Case Competition, Model European Council, Law Moot Court and ICT Case Competition.

In addition, the Balkan Case Challenge 2008 facilitates recruitment processes during the Sub-Competitions and the BCC 2008 International Case Study Competition, where students present themselves to potential employers and representatives of international companies get the chance to recruit future staff from the region.

The Sub-Competitions consist of three parts: 1) Training modules; 2) Case Study Competition; 3) Recruitment Event. The BCC 2008 International Case Study Competition in Vienna consists of two parts: 1) The International Case Study Competition; 2) The job fair ‘Career Day South-Eastern Europe’.

The Balkan Case Challenge is financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation. In the implementation of the Balkan Case Challenge, WUS Austria is depending on the cooperation with partners that support the event financially or in-kind.

More information
Website: www.bcchallenge.org
E-Mail: bcc-info@bcchallenge.org


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Central European University - 4th CEU Graduate Conference in Social Sciences ‘Global Transformations: Integration, Transition, and Development’, June 20 - 22, 2008, Budapest, Hungary
Application deadline: April 1, 2008 (for panel proposals), April 15, 2008 (for paper proposals)


The aims of the conference are to encourage an interdisciplinary academic debate and to contribute to developing knowledge networks among peers in their respective fields of research. At the same time, we hope to connect different perspectives and approaches in order to produce high standard academic works. We encourage graduate students and young faculty to contribute with papers and participate in the proposed workshops and panels. Each panel will include approximately 4 papers.

Recommended themes: The relevance of transition experiences for the development processes; Party politics, electoral systems and voting behavior; Civil society, social movements, and politics of discontent; Post-communist discourses; Regimes in post-communist states: regime change and democratisation; Political economy of direct foreign investment; Diversities of Central and Eastern European Capitalism; Public sector reform, fiscal decentralization and corruption control; Emerging changes to the quality of democracy in post-transition societies; International relations theories; International organizations and international policy; New security issues in the light of the EU enlargement; Europeanization at home and abroad; The New EU; Transatlantic relations: in between anti-americanism and euro-skepticism; Trading globally and aiding locally; Playing history, constructing futures; Security studies - third party interventions, conflict resolution, frozen conflicts; Illicit an! d Illegal processes - challenging and transforming sovereignty; New political economy of transition/development and poverty; Migration and minority policies; Cultural policy and globalization: creating and reinforcing identity; Gender perspective on global transformations; Media and electronic communications; Deliberating democracy; Environment and globalization.

We particularly welcome panels proposed by scholars coming from different institutions. A panel can be proposed using the special panel form and should be accompanied by the titles and abstracts (maximum 300 words) of five papers included in the panel. The working language of the conference is English.

There is no registration fee for qualified participants. Food and accommodation are provided by the organizers. Applicants can apply for a partial travel grant for the cheapest means of transportation. Those intending to apply for a travel grant should write a short letter of justification (up to 300 words).

The paper applications consist of: Completed application form (Including the abstract - max. 250 words); Short CV (maximum 2 pages); (Optional) Applicants for travel grant: Short letter for justification (up to 300 words).

The panel applications consist of: Completed application form, Short CV of the panel chair (max. 2 pages). Panel chairs have the travel costs covered up to a certain amount.

NOTE: In case you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours please re-send your application.

More information
Website: www.ceu.hu/polscijournal
www.gradconf.ceu.hu
E-mail: gradconf2008@yahoo.com


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Board of European Students of Technology - BEST Courses for Students of Technology
Application deadline: April 6, 2008


BEST, Board of European Students of Technology, is a non profit student organisation. It is run by students, working for students. BEST organises different activities where students from member universities get the opportunity to increase their international experience, establish contacts, improve their English and have fun. Each BEST Course is attended by 20-30 students of engineering.

Local BEST groups arrange short (1-2 weeks long) courses during winter, spring and summer, where engineering students get the chance to learn more about a specific topic in their field of interest. BEST also organises seminars on educational issues, engineering competitions and leisure events. In a learning event participants attend lectures given by the university's teaching staff or by experts from companies. They visit companies, industrial plants or research centres and sometimes take part in case studies.

Topics of the learning events cover mainly different technology fields, economics, marketing and management.

At the end of the course students take an exam, which is designed to test the results of the course and evaluate the participants' success. An increasing number of courses are recognised by many universities and students attending these courses can get credit from their home universities.

The organising local BEST group takes care of accommodation and subsistence during the entire event, transportation to lectures and all activities related to the contents of the event, teaching and material costs and social activities. Students from Bulgaria, Macedonia FYR, Romania, Serbia & Montenegro, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia pay no fee. The organising local BEST group receives the applications, and makes a selection on regional aspects, the motivation letter and on educational background of applicant. The organisers also aim at having equal number of male and female participants.

More information
Website: http://www.best.eu.org/student/courses/coursesList.jsp
http://www.best.eu.org/aboutBEST/structure/lbgList.jsp
E-mail: info@BEST.eu.org


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ACUNS and ASIL - ‘Building the Knowledge Base for Global Governance’ Summer Workshop, July 23 - August 2, 2008, Ljubljana, Slovenia - Call for Applications
Application deadline: April 14, 2008


The Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS) and the American Society of International Law (ASIL), in cooperation with the Austrian Science and Research Liaison Office Ljubljana (which is part of the Centre for Social Innovation Vienna), with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia, are pleased to announce the eighteenth ACUNS-ASIL Summer Workshop on International Organization Studies, teaching and research for advanced graduate students, younger scholars, lawyers, and UN practitioners. ASO Ljubljana especially encourages researchers from SEE countries as well as from Austria and Slovenia to participate in this Summer Workshop.

The workshop is intended to foster excellence in emerging scholars and practitioners who are at a relatively early stage in their careers. Therefore it is designed specifically for junior professors in international relations and international law faculties, post-doctoral and advanced doctoral level students, young lawyers and practitioners from civil society groups, policy staff from international organizations, human rights and development advocates, and others at similar early stages of their professional careers.

The purposes of the workshop are, first, to encourage new directions and new ideas in the analysis of international organization(s) and related legal studies; second, to establish and strengthen contacts between international relations and legal scholars and the United Nations practitioners; and third, to stimulate advanced research and teaching in the specific workshop subject matter.

Applicants may propose any research project related to the theme of the workshop. Some suggestions for topics are: multi-level knowledge management between local, national, regional and international bodies; legal regimes governing the global power of ICT companies; implications of the 'knowledge-based development' paradigm for the UN development agenda; potential of partnerships between the UN and civil society and/or business for human capacity building (education, training and research); how existing global scientific and technological knowledge can be harnessed in a coordinated manner for effective action on global challenges such as responding and adapting to global climate change; global foresight studies as strategic intelligence input to the work of the UN; fostering of knowledge based approaches to global challenges by philanthropists; UN agencies as learning organizations; reforming the UN in the context of a global information society; new approaches in UN studies! and teaching; and experiences with information clearing house activities in UN programs.

Workshop participants will be selected by a review committee. Those selected will be expected to submit a ten-page draft of a research or policy paper to their assigned co-director in advance of the workshop. The paper must be original work prepared for the workshop, not material that the participant has undertaken for other projects or presentations. The co-directors will make suggestions about additional readings, data or arguments in order for the participants to bring a more polished version of their paper to the workshop, to be distributed in advance of their presentations. Participants are responsible for providing copies of the paper. Participants also will submit to the ACUNS Secretariat in advance of the workshop, a 2-page abstract of their paper, and will be required to make an oral presentation during the workshop. The working language of the workshop is English.

The selected participants will receive lowest-cost economy class return air travel between his/her location and the workshop site; accommodation and some meals for the duration of the workshop; and access to university athletic, computing and library facilities where available.

International relations and legal scholars and practitioners from institutions in all countries are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a completed application form, four copies of a brief (3 to 4 pages, typewritten) research proposal and a full CV. Independent evaluation is critical for the selection committee; applicants therefore should arrange to have two letters of reference sent directly to the address listed below.

More information
Website: http://www.acuns.org
E-mail: shucsko@wlu.ca


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International Black Sea University - IBSU Scientific Journal – Call for papers
Application deadline: middle of April 2008


The Journal is a peer-reviewed multi-disciplinary scientific journal committed to publish scientific/academic papers in legal and social sciences, economics, history, humanities, linguistics and literature, engineering, mathematics. It is an open access journal which will allow people to read new scientific papers free of charge immediately after they are published on the web.

The Journal strives to be inclusive in scope, addressing topics and issues of significance to scholars and practitioners concerned with diverse aspects of related area. The Journal publishes research employing a variety of methods and approaches, including (but not limited to) survey research, experimental designs, case studies, ethnographic observations and interviews, grounded theory, phenomenology, historical investigations, and narrative inquiry as well as articles that address theoretical and philosophical issues pertinent to relevant research area.

The Journal aims to stimulate a problem-oriented, critical approach to research and practice, with an increasing emphasis on inter-disciplinary and international perspectives. The audience includes researchers, students, and practitioners of many orientations including teachers, faculty members, trainers, facilitators, resource persons, organizational developers, community organizers, and policy designers. The readership of the Journal is international in scope, with a representation in university libraries.

Authors are invited to contribute their research papers to the journal. Next issue will be published in June 2008. Later submissions will be considered for the December 2008 Issue.

If you want to serve as a reviewer for the journal please write an email indicating your review area along with your CV. Criteria for reviewer are proficiency in English language, PhD degree at least. Reviewers are not paid by any means.

More information
Website: http://www.ibsu.edu.ge/journal
E-mail: journal@ibsu.edu.ge (Salavat Sayfullin, PhD, Assistant Editor)


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European Training and Research Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - International Summer Academy on Human Security, July 20 – 30, 2008, Graz, Austria
Application deadline: April 15, 2008


The International Summer Academy on Human Security is part of the HUMSEC project and will be held in the Human Rights City of Graz. The project is designed to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between transnational terrorist and criminal organisations in the peace-building process of the Western Balkan region. Through the organisation of an annual summer academy, the HUMSEC network aims to bring the scientific discourse closer to civil society, to strengthen democratic principles and to raise awareness by means of human rights education and education for democratic citizenship of the threats that transnational terrorist and criminal organisations bring for the peacebuilding and reconstruction process in the Western Balkan region.

The lectures of the summer academy will be mainly given by experts from the HUMSEC partner institutions, but also by external experts. The programme provides an introduction to human security and security threats such as terrorism and organised crime, with a particular focus on the influence of terrorist and criminal organisations on the peacebuilding process in the Western Balkan region (the leading topic of the third year of the project). Societal factors such as poverty and corruption, but also law enforcement, the protection of victims, the role of the media and of civil society will be studied in relation to the goals of human security and the respect for human and minority rights.

Participants will be selected on the basis of their field of interest and their personal motivation to be involved in the programme. The summer academy is designed as ten-day-course for postgraduate students, young professionals, young researchers and representatives of NGOs whose work agenda focuses on the topics of terrorism, organised crime and peacebuilding. Special focus will be made on the selection of participants from South Eastern and Eastern Europe. Full or partial scholarships will be available in limited.

Topics: what is human security - notes on human security as personal security, human security and human rights, and human security interlinked with post-conflict stabilisation; the concepts of terrorism and organised crime; the concept of peacebuilding; institution building, human rights and minorities; law enforcement; media and civil society; the impact of economic development and corruption on peacebuilding; victims, synthetic approach and conclusions.

More information
Website: www.summeracademy.etc-graz.at
www.humsec.eu
E-mail: summeracademy@etc-graz.at


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‘Rethinking Ethnicity and Ethnic Strife: Multidisciplinary Perspectives’ Conference, September 25 - 27, 2008, Budapest, Hungary - Call for Papers
Application deadline: April 15, 2008


Ethnicity and ethnic strife continue to dominate the political economy, politics and society of many countries, especially those in the developing world. From extreme manifestations of civil war and genocide, through the periodic ‘ethnic riots’ that disfigure the social and political landscape, to the quotidian politics of ethnic allegiance, ethnicity has come to the forefront of the development discourse. Not surprisingly, academic researchers in economics, sociology, anthropology and political science have over the last decade and half given special attention to this subfield and produced fresh theoretical and empirical insights that have enriched the debate in each of these disciplines.

What is surprising, however, is how little systematic communication, let alone interaction, there is between researchers across these disciplines. Part of the reason, of course, has to do with the disciplinary languages and boundaries that make interdisciplinary communication difficult. But part of the reason is also quite simply the lack of venues for interaction between researchers from different disciplines. This conference aims to provide such a venue. Over three days, researchers in economics, sociology, anthropology and political science will present their research to each other, and try to learn from each other’s methodologies, perspectives and empirical evidence.

The conference is being organized by Ravi Kanbur, Professor of Economics at Cornell University, Prem Kumar Rajaram, Associate Professor of Sociology and Social Anthropology at the Central European University, and Ashutosh Varshney, Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan.

The organizers invite submissions of completed papers or substantial abstracts (5-7 pages) from the full range of social science disciplines. Possible themes for the papers include: Emergence and transformation of ethnicity; Globalization, ethnicity and ethnic strife; Ethnicity and the state; Ethnicity and public goods; Ethnic fragmentation and economic growth; Privileged and marginalised identities; Decentering ethnicity; Factors promoting, or dampening, ethnic violence; Ethnic strife and identity formation; Religion versus ethnicity in politics. These themes are listed only for illustration. The organizers will consider submissions on a wide range of themes and topics, provided they address the central issues of ethnicity and ethnic strife.

It is the organizers intention to publish an edited volume with a high quality University Press, and/or a special issue of a major journal. Papers presented at the conference will be considered. We believe such a volume, perhaps the first that bridges several different disciplines in the study of ethnicity, will have a major research and policy impact. Submission should be sent electronically.

More information
E-mail: bradeanuk@ceu.hu (Krisztina Bradeanu)


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Sociological and Interdisciplinary Research Center (SIRC), Belgrade, Serbia – ‘Sociological Crossovers’ Journal ‘City: Dimensions and Perspectives’ - Call for Papers
Application deadline: May 1, 2008


The main idea of the journal Sociological Crossovers is to promote and emanate interdisciplinary approaches in social sciences, stressing out the use of sociological theory and methods in investigating the phenomena which are not traditionally comprehended by this discipline.

The intention of the journal is to promote the work of graduate and postgraduate students and young researchers in the field of social sciences, and furthermore to help them make new connections with individuals, universities and research institutions on the regional, European and global level.

Topics we are especially interested in are: Global and world cities, Transformation of the modern city, Urban politics, Cities and environmental sustainability, Visual identity of the city, City and sub-cultures, Social mobility, inequality and the city. Apart from these topics, feel free to contact us if your work covers any related topic that stands in the broad frame of exploring the city.

You may send us your papers on Serbian/Croatian/ Bosnian or English language. Please submit your abstract of the paper to the Editorial board by e-mail. You can send the complete paper simultaneously, or in a time of a month, where in the meantime you can get the feedback from the Board. In order to get acquainted with preferred style of supplying references please contact the editor.

More information
E-mail: sirc.csii@gmail.com


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Valahian Journal of Historical Studies - Call for papers
Application deadline: May 15, 2008


The changes that followed the collapse of Communism in Europe had generated, among other things, intense debates about the future and role of the Black Sea region. Political approaches to the future of the Black Sea countries, both domestically and abroad, have, more and more often, described the Black Sea as a regional unit. It has been implied that, due to their common recent past, the peoples of the Black Sea need regional solutions to common problems.

The next issue of VJHS is dedicated to the issues raised by the black Sea at the beginning of the new century. By exploring the history and the interactions of the region, this issue tries to offer answers to a number of questions raised by the concept of Black Sea regional cooperation, in the context of globalization and European integration:

· Is the Black Sea a bridge between Europe and Asia? Historical precedents encourage us to see the Black Sea, from the European perspective, as a gateway to Asia, through which new bridges of economical and political cooperation can be established, connecting the Balkans and Caucasians
· Does or can the Black Sea play a role in the redefinition of the national identity of the black Sea nations, as a step towards a future regional identity?
· Does the Black Sea represent a political and psychological barrier between spaces of different historical background or is it a link able to create opportunities and regional solidarities?

Along history, the Black Sea area has been controlled by one power alone, be it the Byzantine Empire in the Middle Ages, the Ottoman Empire during modernity or the Soviet Union in the 20th century. The dismantling of the Soviet Union created a gap in the region, from a hegemonic point of view. It is still an open question whether or not these centuries of single-power domination had built common traditions, values and interests, able to offer the social and cultural background for furthering cooperation in politics and economy. The Black Sea countries are in the position to develop cooperation without pressures from a hegemonic power, by constructing paths and defining interests according to each country's specificity. Most of the countries in the area are small states, insufficiently developed, without solid infrastructure. Their trade is oriented mostly towards other spaces. After 1991, cooperation was delayed by a low rhythm of structural reforms. This could not offer the! institutional framework for a long-term cooperation. Other questions are raised by such a situation:
· Can regional cooperation stimulate growth in the Black Sea basin?
· Can regional cooperation substitute a hegemonic power?

Russia's position at the Black Sea basin is also an open question. Russia's quest for international society after 1991, as shown recently by Hanna Smith, relies on a ‘Great Power politics’ approach, in which Moscow pursues its foreign interests by trying to consolidate its position as a regional power. A basic presumption of Russian foreign policy makers is that Russia is a Great Power and should settle key issues of foreign politics through arrangements with other Great Powers, in a 19th century Viennese style. The countries at the Balkan facade of the Black Sea are not very willing to accept Russia as a hegemonic power, as shown by their EU and NATO membership. Turkey follows a similar course of policy, in which the historical caution regarding Russia's intentions at the Straits plays also an important role. As proved by recent evolutions, some Caucasian states are more inclined towards a Western-oriented foreign policy (see Georgia). In these conditions, will ! Russia be able to become a long-term member of a Black Sea partnership renouncing its hegemonic apprehensions? Other potential conflicts in the area are determined by territorial disputes involving mainly Ukraine, but its neighbors as well (like Moldova). A regional solution to such political animosities is an option worth exploring.

The Black Sea region raises other questions with great significance today. The energy issue is among the most important, given the oil and gas reserves in the Caucasian area, which are linked to the Western markets through the Black Sea. In this sense, we can also mention the oil and gas pipes which are either in project or in construction crossing areas of the Black Sea basin. The Black Sea also has great potential in tourism, which has not been exploited properly, so far. The promotion of tourism and the environmental problems caused by pollution are trans-national issues which require regional cooperation. The Black Sea Forum was established on such premises, although its functionality has been defective so far. Since the future of the Black Sea can only be envisaged in the framework of trans-national cooperation, it is of a particular significance to investigate the causes which undermined the Black Sea initiatives so far and to explore the possibility to overcome the im! pediments.

The next issue of VJHS aims at offering answers to some of these questions, by keeping in mind traditions and historical precedents in the region. Our main focus is to reveal the evolution of the Black Sea as a unit, to explore both the interactions between the Black Sea nations along the 20th century and between the Black Sea as a regional unit and other historical and political spaces in Europe and Asia. This way, we hope to shed light upon the realistic possibilities of developing long term cooperation in the region.

Valahian Journal of Historical Studies is a biannual, fully refereed journal, based in Târgoviste, Romania. It is published by the Grigore Gafencu Center for the History of International Relations within the Valahia University of Târgoviste. It welcomes contributions from scholars in all fields of research which are intertwined with the themes debated in each issue. We are eager and honored to open our pages to all both senior and young scholars engaged in studies on the history of international relations as well as on the political, economic, social, intellectual developments in the field along with any reviews in other published books and articles calling attention. Our journal will also host reviews of any scholarly events focusing on modern and contemporary history in Romania and abroad. Notice on doctoral studies and partial results available for publishing can be also accepted as a way to promote the closer dialogue and better information of our community.

Publication Norms
The paper must be unpublished work. It must contain the author or authors' full names, Institution they belong to and their e-mails. The paper must be submitted in the official languages of the publication: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Russian. They must contain a title, a short abstract written in English, five to ten key words as well as a ten row bio note about the author(s). The maximum length for the articles is 20 pages, with a single space interlining. The contributions must be sent in word format.

More information
E-mail: cezar_stanciu2003@yahoo.com (Cezar Stanciu)
dragomir_elena2005@yahoo.com (Elena Dragomir)


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Center for the Study of Imperfections in Democracy and Freedom House Europe - ‘Challenges to Democratic Governance in New Democracies in CEE and the Balkans’ Conference, October 10 - 11, 2008, Budapest, Hungary - Call for papers
Application deadline: May 15, 2008


Although in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Balkans transitions away from authoritarian rule began more than fifteen years ago, many of the recently (re)emerged regimes still face significant challenges regarding the consolidation and quality of democracy. The current problems that must be addressed related to democratic governance may (or may not) be different than the problems that were confronted in early transition and in different world regions. Therefore there is a need for a thorough and comparative assessment of the current state of democracy in these countries, which can form a basis for future policy decisions to improve the quality of democracy.

By evaluating the state of democracy in the countries of CEE and the Balkans, this conference aims to generate theoretically-founded yardsticks for the evaluation and empirical evidence of the quality of democratic governance in the region that will be used for a future Democracy Forum. Using the categories in the framework applied by Freedom House for its ‘Nations in Transit’ (NIT) analysis, we welcome papers that make a comparison of at least two countries in this region along any of the following dimension(s):
(1) National Democratic Governance: Considers the democratic character and stability of the governmental system; the independence, effectiveness, and accountability of legislative and executive branches; and the democratic oversight of military and security services.
(2) Electoral Process: Examines national executive and legislative elections, electoral processes, the development of multiparty systems, and popular participation in the political process.
(3) Civil Society: Assesses the growth of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), their organizational capacity and financial sustainability, and the legal and political environment in which they function; the development of free trade unions; and interest group participation in the policy process.
The following countries may be included: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland,
Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
(4) Independent Media: Addresses the current state of press freedom, including libel laws, harassment of journalists, editorial independence, the emergence of a financially viable private press, and Internet access for private citizens.
(5) Local Democratic Governance: Considers the decentralization of power; the responsibilities, election, and capacity of local governmental bodies; and the transparency and accountability of local authorities.
(6) Judicial Framework and Independence: Highlights constitutional reform, human rights protections, criminal code reform, judicial independence, the status of ethnic minority rights, guarantees of equality before the law, treatment of suspects and prisoners, and compliance with judicial decisions.
(7) Corruption: Looks at public perceptions of corruption, the business interests of top policy makers, laws on financial disclosure and conflict of interest, and the efficacy of anticorruption initiatives.

We also welcome papers that reflect on additional methodological considerations that could improve upon the NIT approach to democratization and good governance analysis and could serve as the starting point for a new version of the publication. The purpose of this conference is to generate a theoretical framework for a Democracy Forum to be held in 2009 with young leaders from the 23 countries in CEE and the Balkans, organized by the Junior Chamber International, Freedom House Europe, and the Center for the Study of Imperfections in Democracy (DISC) at Central European University. Significant findings from this conference will be published as an e-book that will form the academic basis for the Democracy Forum. The body of fresh and targeted analysis would serve as the starting point for the 2009 Democracy Forum, to be held in Budapest. The forum’s program would be comprised of both lectures and presentations as well as training modules on a variety of topics relevant t! o the demographic group partaking in the forum and their interest in engaging in the political life of their countries in a more effective way as agents of positive change.

Submission of title and abstract (max 500 words) and 1-page CV should be made by e-mail.

More information
Website: www.ceu.hu/disc
www.freedomhouse.hu
E-mail: disc@ceu.hu


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Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University - V. International NGOs Conference ‘Global Peace’, October 24 – 26, 2008, Canakkale, Turkey - Call for papers
Application deadline: May 16, 2008


Continuous increases in occupational, institutional and manner changes and demand and expectations of the societies that turned towards modern life style from traditional one affects economic, political and social structure. As a result of these changes, former social, cultural and economic ties are leaving their places to focuses of synergy and power formed by individuals who show them as non-governmental organizations and aim to participate actively to the process of finding long term effective solutions to social problems. As a matter of fact at the present day in addition to governments and private sector, today ‘non-governmental organizations’ as a third dynamic also perform operations and make their significance felt for problems that occur in every field of social life such as education, health,democracy,human rights,economic development, unemployment, tourism, poverty, and infrastructur! e.

In light of these reflections, our faculty, that has the mission of training human resource and director to NGOs besides public sector and private sector, has also adapted courses related to NGOs into curriculums of all departments. The Conference is expected to be held with the participation of public sector, delegates of private sector, the academia and delegates of NGOs.

As known in historical phase the thought that the grief of humanity caused by the Second World War can prevent new wars led post 1946 to be called as a period of peace . However, from 1946 to today 25 million of people were killed in national and regional wars, more than 40 million people were exiled from their territories and left to heavy poverty conditions caused by wars. On the other hand, world of 21st century ongoing conflicts in many regions of the world of 21st century and economic and social damages caused inadequacy in preventing environmental pollution, hunger, disease and safety.

Although peace is always the basic dream of humanity of all times, it has never been established properly. Although most of world masses made great effort on establishing and carrying on peace, it couldn't go further than a dream that is hard to reach in many places throughout the world as General Secretary Ban Ki-moon cited. Is peace really a pure, hard elixir that is hard to reach? Is it a need that humanity felt its absence in every span of the world since ancient ages? Or is peace an ideal, an utopia that won't come true? Or is it only a concept or thought in our mind?

In various meetings (United Nations, World Economic Forum, other civic platforms) subject titles related to global peace such as new economic order, unemployment, fast population growth, global justice, global warming, global poverty, economic, cultural and political conflicts as well as providing peace have been discussed. Moreover, besides governments, national and supra-national institutions, consciousness of NGOs has also been increasing. In this regard, overcoming such kind of problem or making an effort on this issue can not be unique work of government nor private sector or non-governmental organizations.

In this century, end of cold war, globalization and integration of countries have led increase in the number of NGOs that operate for the purpose of achieving economic, social, cultural, etc. goals. Thus increased number of NGOs has started to take significant places in national economies and to affect national and supra-national decision making mechanisms. In this regard, NGOs effectiveness and consciousness have become sensitive towards issues such as identification of problems, bringing new values and norms fore, meeting needs, solution of international conflicts and formation of international partnerships. Moreover, NGOs have started to take a significant role in bringing international issues to the world's agenda and establishing common value judgments. On the other hand, public commitment policy of the United Nations about establishing international peace have led NGOs take a significant role in this issue. Indeed, NGOs also have a significant role in providing collabo! ration among governments, society and private sector for the establishment and sustainability of peace.

Ccontributions of the people concerned about global peace and related subjects are welcome to our conference. Scholars and activists are invited to submit papers', panel proposals', workshops, and posters relating to all aspects of humanities and social sciences on ‘Global Peace’ and NGOs. Papers to be sent to the Conference should be suitable to subject headings of the Conference and should not have been published before or sent for publishing elsewhere. Besides, for the purpose of contributing literature the aim of the paper should be bringing an innovation and study an authentic subject. Papers are required to be prepared for publishing in the Conference book and to be compatible to stated writing guidelines. Moreover, participants are welcomed to submit a work-shop subject. The working language of the Conference is Turkish and English. The details about the conference participation fee will be published on the website.

More information
Website: http://biibf.comu.edu.tr/stk2008/
E-mail: intngo@comu.edu.tr


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The Europa-Universitat Viadrina Frankfurt - ‘The European System of Human Rights Protection’ Summer Course, September 7 – 20, 2008, Oder, Germany
Application deadline: May 31, 2008


This Summer Course, held in English, will deal in detail specifically with the European system of human rights protection. Although there are numerous summer courses and other special study programs within Europe on human rights protection, this course provides an integrated treatment of the various European systems and of specifically European issues of human rights protection. It emphasises, therefore, with important matters relevant to European countries with very diverse political, economic and social systems. The subject matter includes human rights protection within the regimes of the Council of Europe (the European Convention of Human Rights and the European Social Charter), the European Community and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (Helsinki Accords), as well human rights protection on the universal level of public international law where especially relevant to Europe. The ! treatment of the substantive regimes and their specific rights catalogues is set against the background of a consideration of the philosophical, historical, political, economic and sociological aspects of human rights, and includes practical institutional matters such as complaint procedures as well as developments such as the so called 'New Rights'. Practical and contemporary issues, such as the protection of human rights in situations of war or civil disorder, will also be addressed.

This comprehensive course is presented by a dedicated group of experienced and experts teachers from universities in eleven European countries, co-ordinated by the Viadrina European University Frankfurt (Oder) (Germany). The other participants are the London Metropolitan University and the Universities of Wales, at Aberystwyth (United Kingdom), Lund (Sweden), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Rennes I (France), Sevilla (Spain), Malta (Republic of Malta), Maribor (Slovenia), Vienna and Salzburg (Austria), the German Red Cross and the German Institute for Human Rights.

The program in broad outline includes the following:
General and Institutional Issues: overview of regimes and institutions; philosophical, conceptual, sociological and historical aspects; issues of national implementation; control procedures; the role of non-governmental organisations.
Substantive Human Rights: civil and political rights; the right to work; the rights to health and to development; the right to self-determination and minority protection; non- discrimination; migration and refugees.

This course is designed for advanced undergraduate students or recent graduates from all countries of both Western and Eastern Europe, and other regions of the world and aims to provide them with an opportunity to expand their knowledge of human rights law and policy within the transnational European context. Participants are expected to attend for the whole duration of the program.

Participating students must have a good working knowledge of English; be at an advanced stage of their studies or recent graduates; have at least a basic understanding of public international law. Young graduate participants from national and international organisations or NGOs are also welcome.

The total fee for the program is 420 EURO. This charge includes full tuition costs; accommodation for full period of the program; all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). In cases of demonstrated need (especially in the case of students from Eastern Europe), a small scholarship may be provided (subject to funding availability).

More information
Website: http://www.hrcourse.euv-frankfurt-o.de
E-mail: jursok@euv-frankfurt-o.de


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Institute for Democracy and Mediation - Regional Summer School on Security Studies, September 8 – 20, 2008, Tirana, Albania


IDM Center for Security Studies in cooperation with United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Programme of Correspondence Instruction in Peacekeeping Operations - UNITAR POCI will organize 1st Regional Summer School on Security Studies in September 2008. Postgraduate students, researchers, practitioners and high officials of security sector institutions from the countries in the region will be invited to attend a two-week summer school in Albania. International speakers - professors and experts from US, Europe and the Balkans - will instruct summer school participants and will enhance their capacities to better understand global security challenges through six courses focusing on:
· Introduction to Security Studies and Human Security
· Security in the Balkans
· Research and analysis in the field of security studies
· EU Common Foreign and Security Policy
· Global Terrorism
· Peace keeping and International Conflict Resolution

More information
Website: http://idmalbania.org/en/CSS-en.php
E-mail: gevurmo@idmalbania.org (Gjergji Vurmo)


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5th InASEA Conference ‘Migration to, from, and in Southeastern Europe: Intercultural Communication, Social Change and Transnational Ties’, May 21 - 24, 2009, Ankara, Turkey - Call for papers
Application deadline: July 15, 2008


Migration has shaped Balkan societies in the past and continues to mark the present. Historically, the long-standing political organization of Southeastern Europe in large empires facilitated different kinds of migration. In the modern period, the agrarian crisis, unemployment, as well as migrant networks stimulated millions of people to go abroad whether as overseas emigrants before World War One, as so-called ‘Gastarbeiter’ (‘guest workers’) in the 1960s and 70s, or as economic migrants after the collapse of socialism. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many people were also forced to leave their homes as victims of ethnic cleansing, as refugees from war or political persecution. On the other hand, Balkan countries have recently become hosts to immigrants - including western pensioners who have settled in Southeast Europe - as well as refugees. Furthermore, they have witnessed large-! scale domestic migration, mainly from villages to the city, since the mid-20th century.

Migration, thus, has been a typical experience in many a Southeast European life course and transnational links have provided societies in the region important economic, social, and political resources. Apart from its social, economic and political dimensions, migration is also a complex cultural phenomenon. Migrants are often faced with cultural alterity and have to develop alternative modes of intercultural communication. This results in strategies of assimilation and integration, but also of segregation or marginalization. The evidence of 19th century overseas emigration as well as of recent cases show that migration leads to complex processes of cultural and social change both in the country of origin and in the host country. The same holds true for the changes that take place between the first, second, and third generation of migrants, particularly in today's world of transnational mobility and new media communication (satellite TV, internet, etc.).

Migration in, from, and to Southeastern Europe has already found much attention among scholars from various disciplines. However, important aspects of recent and past migration have remained unexplored. Most significantly, there is a definite lack of cross-disciplinary dialogue, of transnational comparison, and of attention to both migrant and host society perspectives. Social scientists tend to focus on large numbers and structural forces, neglecting migrants' agency; ethnologists often leave social, economic and political determinants out of the picture; the few historians dealing with migration in Southeastern Europe usually focus on only one particular ethnic group, ignoring the essentially transnational and comparative character of migration processes.

Therefore, this conference aims at facilitating dialogue across disciplines and nations. Its focus will be on the socio-cultural dimensions of migration and it will consider the entire migration process, discussing the relevant social, economic, and political contexts. Hence, we invite not only anthropologists, ethnologists and ethnographers to propose papers, but also scholars from media studies and communication sciences, historians, social and political scientists, geographers, and scholars from other disciplines. However, all papers should contribute to the understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of migration. Together, we want to explore Southeastern Europe as a unique laboratory for salient aspects of historical and present migration, firmly rooting this region in the global landscape of migration studies.

The conference will be organized around a number of major problems for which we encourage paper proposals: Historical aspects of emigration and seasonal migration in Southeast Europe in the modern period; Gender and migration; Migration and intercultural communication; Media, new technologies and (post)modern migrant communities; Migrant experiences of and reactions to (cultural, economic and social) inclusion and exclusion; Making a new home: ‘adaptation’ and ‘tradition’ between constraints and opportunities; Perception and representation of Balkan migrants in the West; Diaspora nationalism and political mobilization of migrants; Transnational (cultural, social, economic and political) links in the past and the present; Return migrants as cultural innovators or modernizers?; Social and cultural dimensions of domestic migration; Forced migration and its cultural dimensions; Regimes and policies of emigration and immigration in Southeastern Europe; ! 216;New’ immigrants in Southeastern Europe (diplomats, managers, consultants, academics, pensioners, Third World refugees, etc.); Migration as a process: decision-making, family strategies, plans for the future; ‘Illegal’ or undocumented migration (sans-papiers, boat people of the Mediterranean); Individual, collective, and cultural memories of migration; Concepts, methodologies and controversies of current migration research.

Paper proposals must contain the paper title, a 200--250 word abstract, as well as the author's name, institution, address, e-mail, and a very brief academic c.v. Invited panels are also welcome. The panel organizer(s) should submit the panel title, a 200--250 word panel abstract, as well as a list of the three to four planned presenters including all the information about individual papers detailed above. Proposals should refer to the most appropriate conference theme and specify the technical equipment needed for the paper presentation. The papers may be proposed and presented in one of the three InASEA official languages, i.e. English, French or German.

Pending the approval of sufficient funds for the conference, the conference organizers will cover at least a part of the travel and accommodation costs for participants from the countries of Southeast Europe not in the European Union before 2006 (Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey). Accommodation for participants who qualify for financial support will be pre-arranged. Other participants will also be assisted in making hotel reservations.

InASEA members are entitled to free participation in the conference. Non-InASEA members will be asked to pay an on-site registration fee equivalent to: 15 EUR (participants from the above-mentioned Southeast European countries) and 30 EUR (other participants, including those from the SEE countries that joined the European Union before 2006).

More information
Website: http://www-gewi.kfunigraz.ac.at/inasea/conference4.html
E-mail: ulf@zedat.fu-berlin.de (Dr. Ulf Brunnbauer, Free University of Berlin)
kartari@hacettepe.edu.tr (Dr. Asker Kartari, Hacettepe University, Ankara)


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7th European Feminist Research Conference ‘Gendered Cultures at the Crossroads of Imagination, Knowledge and Politics’, June 4 – 7, 2009, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Application deadline: September 19, 2008


The 7th European Feminist Research Conference is an international event based on cutting-edge scholarship. The conference will reflect a diversity of feminist and gender studies research incorporating perspectives from across the broad spectrum of the humanities and social sciences. The focus is on the way in which knowledge, politics, and the imagination inform gendered cultures in contemporary Europe.

European Feminist Research Conferences usually have more than 500 participants from both inside and outside of Europe. The Conference has a track record of presenting innovative feminist scholarly work with critical perspectives on contemporary Europe. This triennial conference is this time organised by Athena (Advanced Thematic Network in Activities in Women's studies in Europe), Gender Studies Programme Utrecht University and Aiofe (Association of Institutions for Feminist Education and Research in Europe).

The 7th edition of the European Feminist Research Conference will be interdisciplinary in several ways. Firstly, it will employ the Utrecht expertise of crossing the boundaries of the scholarly and the artistic through a focus on, and a review of, literary, visual and artistic representations. Secondly, it will work with a matrix of intersecting themes rather than with singular conference strands. Thus participating scholars, students and artists are asked to situate themselves in this cross-cutting matrix.

Paper proposals have to refer to two of the themes. Abstracts should have not more than 300 words and can only be uploaded using the submit link on the website.

More information
Website: http://www.7thfeministconference.org/
E-mail: 7thfeminist@let.uu.nl


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http://internationalpeaceandconflict.org


Guides to Scholarships, Careers and Jobs in Conflict Resolution, Social Entrepreneurship, Human Rights, International Development and Related Fields

As part of the Peace and Collaborative Development Network, several free guides to careers, internships and scholarships have been developed. You're encouraged to review the guides and suggest additional resources.

The guides include: Guide to Internships, Guide to Career and Scholarship Resources, Guide to Academic Jobs in Conflict Resolution and Related Fields and Guide to Scholarships and Fellowships in Conflict Resolution and Related Fields.


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European Pulse - Monthly Magazine on European Integrations from Montenegro


The latest issue of European Pulse (previously EIC Bulletin), the only monthly magazine on European Integrations from Montenegro, has been placed on the Centre for Civic Education webpage. In the context of the standard columns, read about current affairs in European integrations, Eurojargon and details on international institutions, news from the national NGO scene, contributions of our collaborators, presentation of documents and a series of recommendations for various education programmes in European integrations and related subjects.

The magazine is published bilingually. Full document can be downloaded at http://www.cgo.cg.yu/eic/Evropski.puls.28.pdf (MNE) or http://www.cgo.cg.yu/en/eic/publications/European%20pulse%2028.pdf (English).

The Board of Editors of EIC Bulletin is open for all comments, suggestions and contributions, which you can forward to the editor-in-chief, Nedjeljko Rudovic, at eicbilten@cg.yu


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Euroregional Center for Democracy

Semenic Nr. 10
300035, Timisoara
Romania

Tel: + 4 0256 221 471
Fax: + 4 0256 436 633


http://www.regionalnet.org


Editor:
Camelia Cocioba

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