The main goal of this research programme is to strengthen AUB's position as an international research centre in the field of Political Science and European Studies and to reinforce the academic ties between Switzerland and Hungary. Joint research projects between AUB and Swiss partners are to be carried out in three Focus Areas:

Focus Area 1: Strategic Challenges for Small and Middle-sized States
Focus Area 2: Democratic Innovations
Focus Area 3: European Perspectives for the Western Balkans Region

Based on the results of these joint research projects, the following activities will be implemented:

1. Organisation of scientific conferences
2. Teaching and dissemination - curriculum development
3. Conference publications

Furthermore, the project includes activities intended to strengthen relations between AUB and its Swiss partner institutions, as well as a scholarship programme for talented but disadvantaged students:

1. Study trips with AUB students to Switzerland
2. Carl Lutz Lectures
3. Carl Lutz Scholarships for MA and PhD students

Results of the project (as of December 2024)

Activity 1 - Scientific Conferences

The series of conferences planned for all Focus Areas started in autumn 2024:

• Focus Area 1: "One War, Many Responses: The New Security Order in Europe and its Implications for Small and Middle-sized States", 14-15 November 2024
• Focus Area 2: "Conceptions of the State: Between Tradition and Future", 29 November 2024
• Focus Area 3: "Western Balkan’s European future. The role of non-EU states in shaping European Integration", 11October 2024

Activity 2 - Teaching and Dissemination

The curriculum of AUB's International Relations Master programme is being continuously developed and updated. Academic staff involved in the Changing Orders Research Programme integrate their research findings into the courses offered to students. Seminars with Swiss-related content include:  Security Policy, Intriduction to Peace and Conflict Studies, Strategic Thinking in Foreign and Security Policy and Study Trip to Switzerland – Preparatory Seminar.

Activity 3 - Study Trip to Switzerland

The five-day study trips to Switzerland offers students the opportunity to learn more about Swiss politics, economy, regional administration and culture. Students have to take part in a preparatory seminar first, where they give presentations on different Swiss-related topics. The study trip is offered once a year in spring.

• 26-31 May 2024, 17 participants

Activity 4 - Carl Lutz Lectures

• Dr Bertrand Piccard: "1000+ Solutions" | 2 November 2023
• Ambassador Dr Thomas Greminger: "Perspectives on the war in Ukraine and the future of the European security order" | 21 March 2024
• President Viola Patricia Amherd: "Challenging Times for Europe - Thoughts from a Swiss Perspective"| 18 April 2024
• Dr Robert Diethelm: "How to avoid being on the menu when not sitting at the table - not just a European question" | 14 November 2024

 Activity 5 - Carl Lutz Scholarships

This scholarship programme offers talented but disadvantaged students the opportunity to study at AUB and to contribute to the Changing Orders Research Programme, e.g. through involvement in the scientific conferences.

Scholarships awarded to MA students: 2

Scholarships awarded to PhD students: 2

Activity 6 - Conference Publications

To be updated.

For further information please visit: https://svajcialap.hu/en 

Supported by the Swiss contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU.

Photo © Barta Bálint, Képszerkesztőség