Guest Lectureship Competition

The KIU Guest Lectureship in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies aims at strengthening and broadening the KIU’s teaching and research profile in interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies. Compassionate scholars from various disciplines such as legal studies, social sciences, history, cultural studies, media studies, science and technology studies, economics, and related fields are invited to offer MA courses on a broad range of topics related to Ukraine within a newly established Ukrainian Studies certificate program within one semester at the European University Viadrina.

In this programme, undergraduate students from multiple disciplines are offered the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expertise on Ukraine and Ukrainian affairs, develop their Ukrainian language skills and complete an internship in Ukraine-related institutions and organizations, such as NGOs, Media, companies or public institutions. With its outstanding MA certificate programme Ukrainian Studies, KIU addresses the increasing demands in politics, business, civil society, media and science itself in generating more and deeper knowledge about Ukraine and Ukrainian-European entanglements.

Scholars from Ukrainian universities of career stages from 2 years after completing their doctorate are invited to participate in this emerging vibrant Ukraine-related academic environment located at the European University Viadrina, in cooperation with its excellent partner institutions in Berlin. We invite scholars from all disciplines, in particular from social, legal, administration studies, history, cultural studies, media studies, science and technology studies to offer three semester-length courses on MA level on Ukrainian topics at Viadrina University. Course topics should be related to our recent umbrella topic for the winter semester 2026-2027:

Since its independence in 1991, Ukraine has been undergoing a process of transformation, involving both democratisation and democratic backsliding. The Revolution of Dignity in 2014 initiated a far-reaching reform process aimed at EU accession and the institutionalisation of democracy and the rule of law. At the same time, with the annexation of Crimea in violation of international law and the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in 2014, the occupation of Ukrainian territory by Russia, and even more so since the start of the full-scale invasion, urgent questions have arisen regarding the legal handling and resolution of this injustice. Violations of international law, human rights abuses, and acts of terror committed during the occupation – as well as collaboration with the occupying power, including within the education system – require legal reckoning at both the international and national level. Added to this is the necessary social and political engagement with war, violence and destruction, but also with resistance and reconstruction. How can justice be restored and peace and democracy secured following such a collective experience of violence, and what steps can already be taken in Ukraine today to punish the injustice and come to terms with the collective trauma?

Transitional justice has become a key concept for Ukraine’s present and future, as there can be no peace without justice. The term refers to the range of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms – including criminal prosecution, truth-seeking, reparations, institutional reform, and memorialisation – through which societies confront legacies of mass violence and serious human rights violations, with the aim of achieving accountability, recognition for victims, and the foundations for sustainable peace and democratic renewal. Courses from various disciplines may elaborate definitions and concepts, legal foundations and institutions for prosecuting war crimes and mass atrocities, political and sociological perspectives on coming to terms with a history of violence, the significance of remembrance culture and policy, and social and political reconstruction, all related to Ukraine.

During their 5-months-stay, starting in October 2026, the guest lecturer will enjoy intellectual exchange and international inspiration, plus access to the vast resources within the competence network.

The KIU Guest Lectureship provides a monthly stipend of 2300 € plus a one-time travel allowance, calculated in accordance with the rates of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for the respective country of residence. KIU Guest Lecturers are offered a workplace in the co-working office of the KIU. The Viadrina provides support in the search for accommodation.

We welcome guest lecturers to establish and broaden their research networks and seek to establish further cooperation with KIU faculty, members and fellows during their stay at Viadrina University.

Interested and eligible scholars are invited to apply online through the KIU application portal by 05.07.2026. Applicants first need to register on the portal which opens on 1 June 2026. Please note that applications submitted after this deadline cannot be considered. Only scholars from Ukrainian universities can apply for the KIU guest lectureship.

• A motivational letter plus summary of your academic work and profile (max. 750 words), including discipline and research foci, projects related to Ukrainian Studies, teaching profile and didactical self-understanding as well as ides and plans for co-operation within the KIU;
• A compilation of proposals for three different academic courses (for MA students) to be taught at Viadrina, including (per course):
• Course title
• Discipline(s)
• Course structure: 15 classes, 90 minutes each
• A written course description (Topics, aims, contents, target group/requirements) of max. 150 words plus 3 core literature references
• Requirements for 3, 6 or 9 ECTS
• A track record of your academic teaching, plus an overview of further special commitments in academic teaching, such as didactical trainings, teaching awards etc., if available;
• Your CV data, including publications list, highlighting your most relevant 5 publications related to the semester topic.