EUPeace: Universities join forces for a better future!

EUPeace: Universities join forces for a better future!

The European university alliance EUPeace has set itself the goal of promoting peace, justice and inclusive societies. This initiative brings together nine universities from different European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Turkey, with the clear aim of developing interdisciplinary knowledge to shape a better future. The Justus Liebig University of Giessen (JLU) plays a key role in this network and participates in four specialized research hubs that deal with central topics of our time.

The research directions of the hubs are diverse and concern important societal challenges. These include security and conflict transformation, climate science and just transformation, migration and human rights, and inclusive health and well-being. Thanks to their expertise in these areas, JLU researchers are well positioned to develop innovative approaches and proposed solutions. uni-giessen.de reports that the hubs also offer a platform for the exchange and networking of young scientists.

Research in the field of migration and human rights

A clear focus of the EUPeace Alliance is on migration and human rights. The aim is to develop innovative policies that promote inclusive societies, especially in the context of digital mobility and global crises. Various JLU scientists, such as Prof. Dr. Michael Knipper and Prof. Dr. Greta Olson, deals intensively with these questions. It is crucial to shed light on the political and social aspects affecting migrants and asylum seekers.

These approaches are directly related to the research initiative “Challenges of Migration, Integration and Exclusion” (WiMi) of the Max Planck Society. This initiative, which ran from 2017 to 2020, was led by Prof. Dr. Marie-Claire Foblets and Prof. Dr. Steven Vertovec, aims to explore patterns and mechanisms of exclusion of migrants and asylum seekers. The project looks at various dimensions, including the social and legal situation of migrants. eth.mpg.de highlights the importance of multicultural perspectives to ensure holistic research.

Studies in peace and conflict research

Another key aspect of the EUPeace Alliance is the training of future specialists in peace and conflict research. The interdisciplinary master's degree program in International Studies/Peace and Conflict Studies (MA ISFK), offered by the Goethe University Frankfurt in cooperation with the Technical University of Darmstadt, provides comprehensive knowledge of political science, sociology and law. Students are prepared for the challenges of a globalized world by applying empirical social research and developing research designs. uni-frankfurt.de states that the course includes international perspectives and thus focuses on the importance of networking and exchange.

Overall, the EUPeace Alliance, with its diverse research and training activities, offers a valuable contribution to the creation of knowledge that is necessary to overcome pressing societal challenges. The close cooperation between networks and universities not only promotes scientific exchange, but also the development of sustainable solutions within the framework of European and global discourses.