On October 25th, representatives of the Regional Network of Centers for Advanced Studies in Southeast Europe (RECAS) convened in Belgrade for a full-day working meeting aimed at evaluating and developing recent initiatives, sharing insights from individual centers, and outlining collaborative objectives for the upcoming year. The gathering focused on key elements of the RECAS mission across three core pillars: fellowship schemes at national and regional level and stremlining postdoctoral study programs within the region, increasing social impact of academic research and expanding resources for academic residency spaces.
Throughout the day, members delved into the progress and challenges encountered in promoting postdoctoral studies in the SEE region, discussing how to increase research opportunities and funding for early-career scholars. Discussions also covered current fellowship programs within the network, identifying opportunities for growth and improved dissemination to attract a broader pool of candidates particularly from the diaspora. Significant time was allocated to the Academic Policy Lab, where participants shared ideas and best practices on connecting academic research with public policy processes and ecosystems and increasing the social impact of acedemic research. Moreover, the meeting included strategic planning for the key initatives including creating academic residency spaces, aimed at fostering cross-border research, collaboration, and a sense of scholarly community among RECAS-affiliated institutions.
With the vision of full integration into the European research space, this meeting served as a comprehensive review and strategic planning session, setting the stage for an active and impactful year ahead for the network.
