Objectives of the Institute for Democracy at UMB
The Institute for Democracy at UMB (IfD) was established in 2024 as an interdisciplinary, interfaculty (rectorate-level) unit, integrated directly into the university's organizational structure under the Rector’s office. Its creation was enhanced by the Democracy Living Lab, a virtual living laboratory founded as part of the international Horizon Europe research project BRRIDGE. The successful initiation of numerous research activities within the BRRIDGE project highlighted the need for a dedicated interdisciplinary university unit to coordinate interfaculty research activities.
Primary Objectives:
- Supporting research, education and civic engagement to address the challenges to democracy.
- Developing interdisciplinary research in the fields of democracy, policy, and governance.
- Improving interfaculty collaboration and engaging UMB faculties in international research projects.
- Strengthening research capacities and advancing excellence in addressing 21st-century democracy challenges.
Key Activities:
- Organizing research and educational initiatives, seminars, and conferences.
- Conducting publishing and analytical activities focused on democracy challenges.
- Providing expert consultations and building international partnerships.
- Supporting interdisciplinary teams and fostering networking at academic and non-academic levels.
Strategic Priorities:
- Developing international cooperation with renowned partners.
- Securing and implementing project funding opportunities (e.g., Horizon Europe).
- Supporting the academic community and promoting research dissemination.
Ongoing and Planned Projects
Ongoing Projects (Recovery and Resilience Plan of Slovakia):
- POSILA: Strengthening interdisciplinary research in the living lab.
- R2 Projects:
- Divergent Positions of Political Parties" (V4).
- MIKRO-SCOPE" (democracy challenges through repression and polarization, starting in 2025).
- ADI" (anti-democratic intentions).
- Horizon Europe Projects:
- BRRIDGE
- EMMELO (starting in 2025).
Planned Activities for 2025
- Implementing ongoing projects and submitting new internationally oriented proposals (Horizon Europe).
- Co-organizing the Human Forum 2025 conference.
- Engaging in intensive publishing in renowned scientific journals.
- Developing interdisciplinary research and establishing strong academic partnerships.
- Networking civil society with the academic community.