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Centre for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS)

The Centre for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS) represents a new institutional model for area studies research at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts. Established through the ERA-AREAS project, CenMAS will serve as a hub for innovative interdisciplinary research and a platform for international collaboration.

Building on FF UK’s strong tradition in humanities and social sciences, CenMAS aims to create a sustainable research infrastructure that integrates diverse disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches. The centre will foster dialogue between scholars working on different world regions while developing shared theoretical and methodological frameworks.

Mission and Vision

Mission

To advance knowledge of world regions through rigorous interdisciplinary research, innovative methodologies, and international collaboration, while training the next generation of area studies scholars.

Vision

To become a recognized centre of excellence for area studies in Central Europe, contributing to global debates while maintaining strong regional expertise and institutional sustainability.

Key Ambitions

01

Establish a distinctive research profile combining comparative approaches with deep regional expertise across multiple world areas.

02

Create an inclusive research environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration across disciplinary and regional boundaries.

03

Organizing conferences, workshops, and public lectures; publishing research findings in high-impact journals; and engaging with policy communities and civil society.

04

Build lasting partnerships with leading institutions worldwide and integrate CenMAS into international research networks.

Planned Activities

Research Programmes

CenMAS will develop thematic research programmes addressing key questions in contemporary area studies. These programmes will integrate multiple regional perspectives and employ comparative methodologies.

  • Individual and collaborative research projects
  • Interdisciplinary working groups and research clusters
  • Visiting fellows and guest researchers

Training and Education

The centre will offer comprehensive training programmes for PhD students and early-career researchers, including methodological workshops, language training, and professional development opportunities.

  • PhD programme in area studies
  • Summer schools and intensive courses
  • Mentoring and career development support

Knowledge Exchange

CenMAS will serve as a platform for dialogue between academia, policy communities, and civil society, facilitating the translation of research insights into practical applications.

  • Regular seminar series and public lectures
  • Annual international conferences
  • Policy briefs and expert consultations

Infrastructure Development

Building sustainable infrastructure to support long-term research excellence, including physical spaces, digital resources, and administrative systems.

  • Dedicated research and meeting spaces
  • Specialized library and digital resources
  • Research data management systems

Establishment Timeline

  1. Year 1-2

    Foundation Phase

    Initial team recruitment, infrastructure setup, governance structure development, and launching core research activities.

  2. Year 2-4

    Consolidation Phase

    Expanding research programmes, establishing training activities, building international partnerships, and developing centre identity.

  3. Year 4–5

    Sustainability Phase

    Securing long-term funding, formal institutionalization within FF UK, and establishing CenMAS as an independent research unit.

  4. Beyond Year 5

    Autonomous Operation

    Fully operational centre with established reputation, diversified funding sources, and integrated position in the European research landscape.

Integration into Charles University

CenMAS will be strategically integrated into the existing structures of the Faculty of Arts while maintaining operational flexibility to pursue innovative research directions. The centre will complement and enhance FF UK’s existing strengths in regional and cultural studies.

Integration Strategy

Academic Integration

  • Joint appointments with existing departments
  • Shared teaching responsibilities
  • Collaborative research projects

Administrative Integration

  • Alignment with university governance
  • Shared administrative services
  • Integration into FF UK strategic plans

Through this integrated approach, CenMAS will strengthen the overall research capacity of Charles University while establishing a distinctive profile in the field of area studies.