Leibniz Research Network Central and Eastern Europe
Leibniz Research Network Central and Eastern Europe
The Leibniz Research Network Central and Eastern Europe has existed since 2015. It brings together more than twenty of the Leibniz Association’s institutes whose multidisciplinary work either focuses on Central and Eastern Europe or deals with the region in projects. The network thus constitutes the largest source of expertise on Central and Eastern Europe in German academia outside the universities. Current challenges in Eastern Europe include the expansion of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and increasing restrictions on academic freedom in some countries. As a result, in the coming years, the network will focus on disseminating knowledge to the wider public. The network’s institutes also cooperate in the field of public policy and with respect to research, exchange and transfer activities as well as the provision of research infrastructures. Regionally, the network‘s portfolio includes the eastern, north-eastern and south-eastern member states of the European Union; the eastern and south-eastern European candidate countries; the Republic of Moldova and the states of the Caucasus and Central Asia, with which close cooperation is maintained. Research is also being conducted on Russia, even though relations with this country have been suspended since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Maren Röger.
Coordination: Dr. Magda Wlostowska, assisted by student assistant Julie-Madeline Simon.
LISTEN.EAST – the podcast from the Leibniz Research Network Central and Eastern Europe
The Leibniz Research Network on Eastern Europe is going on air! LISTEN.EAST is our new podcast, bringing together expertise from over 20 renowned Leibniz Institutes and delivering scholarly analysis and fascinating insights straight to your ears.
To kick things off, we’re taking a look at the Caucasus and Central Asia in a three-part mini-series – two regions undergoing profound change. What is driving people there? What geopolitical dynamics are shaping the situation? And how do researchers work in the field? Experts provide context, share stories from their research practice and make complex interrelationships easy to understand.
Episode 1: New Beginnings and Upheaval in the Caucasus and Central Asia (09/2026)
How have the political and economic structures in the Caucasus and Central Asia changed in recent years? In this opening episode, we analyse the far-reaching processes of transformation in both regions. Our guests for the interview are Prof. Dr Cindy Wittke-Hohlfeld (Leibniz Institute for East and South-East European Studies – IOS) and Prof. Dr Thomas Herzfeld (Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Development in Transition Economies – IAMO).
The episode is available in German.
Two more episodes will follow soon.
WRITE.EAST – the Fellowship Programme for Media Professionals
Through »WRITE EAST«, the Leibniz Research Network on Eastern Europe promotes exchange between academia, the media and the general public. Funded by the Leibniz Association, the programme enables media professionals and creative practitioners across all media formats to undertake one-week research stays at participating Leibniz Institutes.
Fellows make use of the institutes’ resources and libraries to carry out their own projects on Eastern Europe, gain insights into research methods and network with researchers across disciplines. The fellowship is worth 850 euros (plus a 150-euro travel allowance).
Current status: The programme is currently in its second funding round. The application period has closed. The selected participants will begin their residencies shortly. More detailed information will be published by the respective institutes; any new calls for applications will be announced here.
Contact & Coordination: Dr. Magda Wlostowska
