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Katerina Šeda, copying Mother, Copying Father, Copying Child, video, color, sound, 7min 43sec

Generations in Dialogue

Among the most significant challenges for the future of social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity are the demographic changes, which affect the social and economic transformation processes in Central and Eastern Europe. This has prompted us to look into the causes, implications and necessary actions of this phenomenon by commissioning different scientific studies.

Context

There are two basic reasons for our interest to research societal transformation processes in Central and Eastern Europe. Firstly, results provide a well-founded, practical and realistic basis for the decision-making and planning processes, not only of the Foundation, but also that of policy-makers, civil society and businesses. The second, equally important motivation is our commitment to support the scientific work and research activities in social and political sciences of institutions (e.g. universities), research communities and individual researchers based in Central and Eastern Europe.

Impact

We publish the biennial research results at the end of each cycle on our website. Also, we promote the researchers' specific recommendations in the region together with our project partners.
We, furthermore, ensure the exchange of knowledge, experience and ideas through linking the results to other researchers in related fields, such as, for example, journalists.

During each fellowship, several international meetings take place, encouraging researchers to discuss their projects with each other and with invited experts. For instance, the selection process for the 2010-2011 cycle was made during the International Migration Conference in The Hague. The kick off meeting takes place in Vienna, while the final event, the Summer School, is held in Florence, with the topic 'International Migration, challenges and opportunities for the EU and its neighbourhood'.

Facts

It started in 2008 with the first generation of fellows covering the topic of 'Ensuring Income Security and Welfare in Old Age'. Then, the focus lay on the demographic changes in the CEE region.
We closely cooperate with the World Demographic & Ageing Forum at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.
The fellows presented their papers and research results at the 6th World & Ageing Generations Congress in 2010.

The topic of the second generation focuses on "Migration and its effects on demographic and economic development in Central Eastern Europe", analysing social change processes. For the first time, a group of researchers submitted the topic of Roma Migration, which proved a necessity of highlighting this aspect. As a result, we decided to create a research group with this focus.

Project Manager

Alina Șerban
T +43 (0)50100 - 15416
email

"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it onto future generations."

G.B. Shaw