Centre for South-East European Studies - University of Graz

04/09/2026

What if some of the most important things you need during a PhD are the things no one formally teaches you?

This winter semester, we’re launching the Doctoral Skills Lab at the University of Graz — a new peer-led seminar created by PhD researchers, for PhD researchers.

The idea is simple: to create a space for the parts of doctoral life that rarely make it onto a syllabus. From interviewing, coding and discourse analysis to academic writing, research ethics, publishing, career pathways and navigating the everyday realities of doing a PhD.

Alongside practical skill sprints, the seminar will bring in professors, postdocs, alumni and practitioners, offer optional method clinics for feedback on your own research, and create space to build connections across disciplines.

📅 Winter Semester 2026/27
🕒 Mondays, 15:00–16:30
📍 University of Graz | SR 15.39 (RESOWI) + Zoom
🎓 Open to PhD researchers in the humanities and social sciences
📚 5–6 ECTS, depending on your PhD programme
🗓️ Pilot round: 5 October 2026 – 25 January 2027

We’re also looking for guest speakers who would like to share their expertise in areas such as interviewing, coding, discourse analysis, research ethics, publishing or academic careers.

Interested in joining the pilot or contributing as a speaker? Get in touch with us — contact details are on the poster.

Supported by the Research Careers Campus of the University of Graz.

01/09/2026

🎓 Student Spotlight: Meet Lenka Živanović

What is it like to be a MASEES student?

In this short video interview, second-year MASEES student Lenka Živanović talks about her journey and experience with the programme.

🎥 Watch the interview and hear about the MASEES experience from a student perspective.

26/08/2026

Meet Lea Sailer, who just completed her first year of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies. 🎓 Hear what she has to say about her experience so far!

22/08/2026

Can elite splits strengthen autocratic regimes? Claudia Laštro‘s latest article shows that some leadership divisions can serve as strategic realignments, making autocracies more durable. Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21599165.2026.2714007

07/08/2026

Today at 13:00 on ORF Ö1:
Elastic Borders PI Bilgin Ayata joins Marcus Engler (DeZIM, Berlin) on Punkt eins to discuss migration as a political instrument and the politics of migration governance in the Mediterranean.
Moderated by Philipp Blom, the conversation will address the recent events in Ceuta, the political use of migration, and the wider structures and tensions shaping EU migration and border policies.
📻 Live on ORF Ö1, 13:00–14:00
Migration als politisches Druckmittel
https://oe1.orf.at/programm/20260807/841062/Migration-als-politisches-Druckmittel

30/06/2026

Botond Tóth is in the spotlight again - this time talking about his experience in the Master’s in Southeast European Studies programme. Currently studying both the Arqus Joint Master’s in European Studies and the MASEES programme, Botond has a very unique study experience. Listen to his story and why he simply couldn’t choose just one ☺️

26/06/2026

The is more than a protest - it’s a growing civic movement calling for the protection of Albania’s unique natural heritage and greater transparency in decisions that affect its future.

From the Vjosa-Narta wetlands to the country’s protected coastline, thousands of citizens are coming together peacefully to advocate for environmental protection, accountability, and sustainable development.

Whether you’re hearing about the movement for the first time or following developments closely, understanding the issues is the first step toward informed discussion.

Protect nature. Support transparency. Stand for peaceful civic engagement.

16/06/2026

The Albanian community in Graz invites you to join a peaceful gathering in solidarity with the ongoing “Flamingo Revolution” in Albania.

The event will take place on Friday, 19 June, at 18:00 at Freiheitsplatz, 8010 Graz.

We stand in support of citizens who are striving for environmental protection, democracy, and the rule of law. The gathering is open to everyone, including members of other Balkan communities, Austrian citizens, and all those who share these values and wish to express their solidarity.

11/06/2026