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    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.