Representatives of the Faculty of Political Science Visit the University of Vienna

Researchers and administrative staff from the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Banja Luka took part in a study visit to the University of Vienna from 7 to 12 April 2025, as part of the RETLAMI-SEE project, funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.

The visit aimed to deepen collaboration with the partner institution RECET – Research Center for the History of Transformations at the University of Vienna, and to enhance research capacities in the fields of migration and social transformations in Southeast Europe.

The research team consisted of Prof. Dalibor Savić, PhD, Assistant Professor Anđela Pepić, PhD, and Bojana Vukojević, PhD. During the visit, they took part in workshops and fieldwork focused on improving qualitative research methodology, with particular emphasis on oral history and (auto)ethnographic approaches.

The team had the opportunity to present the project during a regular RECET seminar, as well as in a workshop organised in cooperation with researchers from the Central European University in Vienna (CEU) and the University of Graz. The fieldwork part of the visit included interviews and visits to institutions supporting migrants, including the Migration Museum (MUSMIG) within the Ethnological Museum.

A parallel exchange programme was carried out for staff responsible for research administration. The University of Banja Luka was represented by Tamara Nježić from the Faculty of Political Science and Milica Marić, Project Manager at the Centre for Development and Research Support of the University of Banja Luka.

Over the four-day programme, meetings were held with representatives of the University of Vienna, including Project Manager Borna Doračić, exchanging experiences in managing international research projects.

Particular focus was placed on administrative procedures in all phases of the project cycle – from application and implementation to reporting – as well as on models for enhancing institutional support to researchers.

This study visit represents an important step towards strengthening interdisciplinary and international cooperation, and towards improving the administrative and research capacities of the University of Banja Luka.