The KIU Guest Professorship in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies aims at strengthening and broadening the KIU’s teaching and research profile in interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies. Compassionate scholars from various disciplines such as social sciences, economics, legal studies, history, cultural studies, media studies, science and technology studies and related fields are invited to offer MA courses on a broad range of topics related to Ukraine within a newly established Ukrainian Studies certificate program within one semester at the European University Viadrina.

In this programme, undergraduate students from multiple disciplines are offered the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expertise on Ukraine and Ukrainian affairs, develop their Ukrainian language skills and complete an internship in Ukraine-related institutions and organizations, such as NGOs, Media, companies or public institutions. With its first-ever academic Ukrainian Studies program in Germany, KIU addresses the increasing demands in politics, business, civil society, media and science itself in generating more and deeper knowledge about Ukraine and Ukrainian-European entanglements.

Scholars of career stages from 2 years after completing their doctorate are invited to participate in this emerging vibrant Ukraine-related academic environment located at the European University Viadrina, in cooperation with its excellent partner institutions in Berlin. We invite scholars from all disciplines, in particular from social, legal, administration and economic studies, history, cultural studies, media studies, science and technology studies to offer three semester-length courses on MA level on Ukrainian topics at Viadrina University. Course topics should be related to our recent umbrella topic for the winter semester 2025:

“Infrastructural fragmentation, infrastructural resilience Interdisciplinary perspectives on techno-politics and crisis”

Infrastructures are both physical and knowledge-based. Physical infrastructures such as bridges, power plants, and cable networks — and knowledge infrastructures — including universities and civil society organizations — are increasingly being attacked and destroyed in Ukraine and its occupied territories by Russia’s full-scale invasion. As geopolitical uncertainties rise, these attacks are also increasingly affecting other parts of Europe. What does infrastructural resilience mean today? How is it being tested by different forms of attack? How can resilience become preventive rather than merely reactive towards physical and informational attacks? And what role does critical engagement play in shaping infrastructural developments?

During their 5-months-stay, starting in October 2025, scholars will enjoy intellectual exchange and international inspiration from the interwoven Polish-German Border region, plus access to the vast resources within the competence network.

The KIU Guest Professorship position provides a monthly stipend of 2300 € plus a one-time travel allowance of up to 600 €. KIU Guest Professors are offered a workplace in the co-working office of the KIU. The Viadrina provides support in the search for accommodation.

We welcome guest professors to establish and broaden their research networks and seek to establish further cooperation with KIU faculty, members and fellows during their stay at Viadrina University.

How to apply:

Interested and eligible scholars are invited to apply online through the KIU application portal by 15 April 2025. The application portal is now open.

Required documents:

• A motivational letter plus summary of your academic work and profile (max. 750 words), including discipline and research foci, projects related to Ukrainian Studies, teaching profile and didactical self-understanding as well as ides and plans for co-operation within the KIU;

KIU Guest Professorship Winter Term 2025/2026 – CALL FOR APPLICATIONS • A compilation of proposals for three different academic courses to be taught at Viadrina, including (per course): Course title, Discipline(s), Course structure: 15 classes, 90 minutes each, A written course description (Topics, aims, contents, target group/requirements) of max. 150 words plus 3 core literature references, Requirements for 3, 6 or 9 ECTS

• A track record of your academic teaching, plus an overview of further special commitments in academic teaching, such as didactical trainings, teaching awards etc., if available;

• Your CV data, including publications list, highlighting your most relevant 5 publications.

About KIU:

The Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies (KIU) is a four-year DAAD-funded project to strengthen Ukraine-related research, teaching, networking and transfer activities. The competence network, initiated and led by the European University Viadrina, includes the ZOiS, the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, the Freie Universität Berlin, the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the Wissenschaftskolleg Berlin.

Contact:

Dr. Susann Worschech (scientific coordinator), Severyna Yakubych (student assistant), European University Viadrina,Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies (KIU), Große Scharrnstraße 23a, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder),
kiu-fellowship@europa-uni.de