UniGR-Center for Border Studies

The UniGR Center for Border Studies (UniGR-CBS) is a thematic scientific network in the Greater Region. The participating researchers from the six partner universities of the grouping “University of the Greater Region – UniGR” study border dynamics and developments in border regions. A special focus is set on the borders and areas of the Greater Region. The UniGR-CBS started its work in 2014 and is active in the following fields: Research: The border researchers examine socio-economic and socio-cultural issues from a cross-border and comparative perspective. They are organised in interregional working groups along thematic focuses and develop solutions for challenges in border regions as well as contributions to fundamental border research. One of them is GRETI (Groupement de Recherches Transfrontalières Interdisciplinaires). Teaching: The border researchers cooperate in the training of students and doctoral candidates. In addition to joint doctoral supervision in the field of border research, they have been offering the trinational “UniGR Master in Border Studies” since 2017. This cross-border study programme organised at four UniGR universities offers a specialisation in spatial studies or a specialisation in cultural and linguistic studies and provides students with a European profile. Networking: The border researchers cooperate with each other as well as with international partners. The joint implementation of research and networking projects strengthens cooperation and increases the supra-regional visibility of the UniGR-CBS. In addition to research stays and seminars, this includes involvement in international networks of cross-border actors and border researchers. Regional actors: Together with regional actors, border researchers identify socio-economic and socio-cultural challenges of the Greater Region and develop practice-oriented solutions.