Objectives and Principles

Of all the regions of Europe, Eastern and Southeast Europe has experienced the most upheavals since the nineteenth century. This makes it an excellent example for the purposes of illustrating processes of transformation. The mere fact that 24 states have gained independence since 1990 shows the enormity of the change, accompanied as it was by far-reaching upheavals in the political and economic as well as social and cultural systems. The years 1945, 1918, and 1878 marked similar turning points. This is the only region in Europe that has seen war since the Second World War. In this respect, there is not only a strong need for research to explain the causes and consequences of these repeated transformations, findings from Eastern and Southeast Europe can also make an important contribution to addressing more general questions, such as the preconditions for catch-up development, the dynamics of democratization and de-democratization or state and nation-building in multiethnic, post-imperial areas. The region has always been characterized by geopolitical rivalries, both historically and today, and is therefore of particular political importance, especially for Germany as an immediate neighbor. Key challenges for the future of the European project arise in this region, regarding the EU integration of the Western Balkans and the stabilization of Ukraine, for instance. With its research on these issues and their historical background, the IOS sheds light on complex interrelationships.

The Institute brings together expertise in history, economics, and political science to create multidisciplinary research topics in its endeavor to make an important contribution to the development of new perspectives for the study of Eastern and Southeast Europe. The Institute primarily focuses on basic research with the aim not only of being a key participant in relevant discussions, but also of initiating new debates. The research of the IOS is positioned in both regional studies discourses and in disciplinary discourses. At the IOS, cohesion is created through the key concepts of the Institute’s research (“Transformation,” “Institutions,” “Continuity and Discontinuity,” “Convergence and Divergence”) and the shared interest in the spatiality of the observed phenomena. In a world where everything seems to be connected, we seek to explain why so many things are so different. The IOS currently focuses on two main research fields: (1) “Institutionalization, De-Institutionalization, Re-Institutionalization” and (2) “Mobility(ies) and Inequality(ies).” In cooperation with the Leibniz ScienceCampus “Europe and America in the Modern World” and the University of Regensburg, the IOS examines fault lines and transformations in globalization processes since the nineteenth century.

A key aim of the IOS is for the knowledge acquired through its research to be incorporated in various social discourses—in recognition of the importance of the region for European and German politics, but also for societal cohesion in Germany. The Institute helps create a solid understanding of the change processes in Eastern and Southeast Europe both for academia and politics as well as for the interested public. It thus provides important knowledge and information which aids orientation. It advises members of the Bundestag, publishes short analyses, and organizes many public events. This extensive knowledge transfer is supported by the IOS Service Department. Besides the basic research it conducts, the second focus of the Institute’s work is the maintenance of a leading specialized library with more than 340,000 media units, the publication of international journals, book series, and standard reference works, as well as, increasingly, access to various types of digital information. These services are aimed at the entire research community and the interested public.

A key characteristic of the IOS is its international orientation, rooted in the very research object, which, to a great extent, is also reflected in the diversity of its staff and program. The Institute promotes internationalization through its own program for visiting scholars and by supervising international scholarship holders from other organizations. For example, Humboldt Research Fellows and Marie Curie Fellows regularly spend time researching at the IOS. The Institute maintains numerous institutionalized cooperative relationships with leading research institutions for East and Southeast European studies and is systematically developing this global network. Through the Leibniz ScienceCampus, for instance, it is connected to leading area studies institutions in North America. The relationship with network partners in the region itself is especially strong. In addition, the IOS library engages in active exchange with more than 250 partner libraries worldwide, thus ensuring that its internationally renowned collections are constantly updated. Through the organization of many scholarly events in Germany and abroad, as well as the publication of international journals, the IOS provides important forums and platforms for academic exchange and the further development of academic discourse. In particular, the Institute supports the dialog between academic communities in the East and West.

Equal opportunities, equality, and the promotion of diversity are integral parts of the Institute's philosophy. This pertains both to the Institute's function as an employer and its public impact. The IOS sees equality, in a broad sense, as the absence of discrimination based on gender, age, sexual orientation, political conviction, nationality, and ethnic and denominational affiliation—and is committed to taking action against such discrimination. For the IOS, nondiscrimination applies not only to the Institute's staff, but also to all groups the Institute has dealings with in the course of performing its various functions and tasks. The IOS also supports the reconciliation of work and family life. Having an above-average percentage of female employees, the Institute particularly aims to increase the proportion of women in management positions. In 2021, the IOS received the TOTAL E-QUALITY certificate in recognition of its work on gender equality.

The support and education of young scholars is another core objective of the IOS. After all, the continued dynamic development of research on Eastern and Southeast Europe depends on young researchers developing innovative questions and new approaches, as well as critically reflecting on established paradigms. To support these young researchers, the IOS implements specific measures and has established the position of a coordinator for young scholars with the aim of guiding them in the early development of an independent academic profile and thus strengthening their career opportunities. One important goal is the integration of young scholars in international contexts. Third-party funds are specifically raised for the employment and support of young researchers. Most of the doctoral students at the IOS work toward their qualifications within the framework of the Regensburg Graduate School for East and Southeast European Studies. In terms of internationalization, the Institute invites doctoral candidates from abroad to spend time at the IOS as visiting fellows. In addition, the IOS reaches out to students from related disciplines in order to encourage their interest in the academic study of Eastern and Southeast Europe at an early stage, e.g., by offering an internship at the IOS.

The IOS benefits from the expertise on Eastern and Southeast Europe that has been built up over the years in Regensburg and constantly develops this expertise through its unique profile and its clear goals.  Being the largest non-university institute of the Regensburg Eastern and Southeast Europe area studies cluster, it cooperates with complementary, local research institutions, such as the Institute of East European Law and with the relevant institutions of the University of Regensburg spanning several disciplines. The staff at the IOS also give lectures on subjects related to (South)East Europe at the University of Regensburg and contribute to the training of doctoral candidates. One key and future-oriented collaborative relationship is with the emerging Department for International and Multiscalar Area Studies (DIMAS) and its predecessor the Center for International and Transnational Area Studies (CITAS). This involves not only transregional and comparative exchange but also serves to further the conceptual development of Area Studies. The Leibniz ScienceCampus "Europe and America in the Modern World. Frictions and Transformations of Globality" founded by the IOS and the University of Regensburg is an important result of these ongoing efforts.
At the same time, the IOS also benefits from the city of Regensburg: with nearly 2,000 years of history and a strong and dynamic economy, Regensburg is a highly attractive place to work and live. Regensburg has one of the largest surviving interconnected medieval old towns, large parts of which are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many local companies benefit from Regensburg's status as an academic center and offer attractive jobs on this basis. Through the Danube and its city partnerships, Regensburg is closely connected to Eastern and Southeast Europe, creating an ideal environment for the IOS to foster creativity and dynamism.