ERA Chair in Multidisciplinary Area Studies Project (ERA-AREAS) aims to support the development of area studies research at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University and enhance its societal impact. By establishing the Center for Multidisciplinary Area Studies (CenMAS), the project addresses global challenges through comparative, multidisciplinary research on critical developments across world regions, positioning the Faculty of Arts at Charles University as a leading hub for area studies research.
The project brings together an international research team led by the ERA Chair holder Professor Mariana Llanos. Building on her expertise and academic network, ERA-AREAS supports institutional development, enhances the research skills of the Faculty of Arts academic staff, and integrates diverse disciplinary approaches to the study of global regions.
What we aim to achieve
Establish a strong, multidisciplinary research group focused on contemporary crises in non-European regions and Eastern Europe
Coordinate the social-scientific and cultural-linguistic traditions to achieve a holistic approach to area studies
Foster institutional reforms to support long-term excellence and sustainability of area studies research at the Faculty of Arts
Attract international researchers and improve international academic mobility and collaboration
Provide training and support for early-career scholars
Inform public and policy debates with insights based on rigorous academic research
Strengthen CUFA’s capacity to compete for international excellent research funding
Who benefits from the project
ERA-AREAS impacts both academic and societal domains:
Researchers at CUFA and other institutions gain opportunities for collaboration, mobility, and methodological development
Doctoral and postdoctoral scholars benefit from tailored training, mentoring, and publication support
Institutional leadership at CUFA receives support for strategic development and internationalization
Policymakers and public authorities access expert insights on global developments and regional crises
Media and the public benefit from evidence-based commentary and public engagement on international affairs
What we aim to achieve
Establish a strong, multidisciplinary research group focused on contemporary crises in non-European regions and Eastern Europe
Coordinate the social-scientific and cultural-linguistic traditions to achieve a holistic approach to area studies
Foster institutional reforms to support long-term excellence and sustainability of area studies research at the Faculty of Arts
Attract international researchers and improve international academic mobility and collaboration
Provide training and support for early-career scholars
Inform public and policy debates with insights based on rigorous academic research
Strengthen CUFA’s capacity to compete for international excellent research funding
Who benefits from the project
ERA-AREAS impacts both academic and societal domains:
Researchers at CUFA and other institutions gain opportunities for collaboration, mobility, and methodological development
Doctoral and postdoctoral scholars benefit from tailored training, mentoring, and publication support
Institutional leadership at CUFA receives support for strategic development and internationalization
Policymakers and public authorities access expert insights on global developments and regional crises
Media and the public benefit from evidence-based commentary and public engagement on international affairs
What are area studies?
Area studies combine in-depth regional expertise with disciplinary knowledge of the humanities and the social sciences to understand political, social, and cultural developments around the world. ERA-AREAS focuses on non-European regions and Eastern Europe, aiming to bring academic insights to societal and policy use.
What are area studies?
Area studies combine in-depth regional expertise with disciplinary knowledge of the humanities and the social sciences to understand political, social, and cultural developments around the world. ERA-AREAS focuses on non-European regions and Eastern Europe, aiming to bring academic insights to societal and policy use.
Funding and support
The project is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe ERA Chair scheme (Grant Agreement No. 101185327).
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
