Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Frankfurt (Oder) – Berlin (KIU) • European University Viadrina

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About

The KIU competence network is a four-year DAAD-funded project to strengthen Ukraine-related research, teaching, networking and transfer activities. The competence network, initiated and led by the European University Viadrina, includes the ZOiS, the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, the Freie Universität Berlin, the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the Wissenschaftskolleg Berlin.

KIU – Competence Network for Interdisciplinary Ukraine Studies Frankfurt (Oder)-Berlin and the “Denkraum Ukraine” Regensburg, led by the European University Viadrina, are the two Ukraine Centers in Germany funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). Together, they are working on building Ukraine-related academic research and teaching, disseminating Ukraine expertise in politics, academia, media, and civil society, as well as promoting a Europe-wide dialogue with Ukraine.

Frankfurt (Oder)-Berlin

Große Scharrnstraße 23a
15230 Frankfurt (Oder)
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News

17. September 2025

Filmscreening & Public Discussion: Feminist and queer visions of Ukraine

17 September 2025, 8 pm, KUMA Kulturmanufaktur Gerstenberg, Ziegelstraße 28A, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder) Entry free, Bar open from 7 pm on This event will feature two short films (I am Michelle, Queer fighters of Ukraine, each 20 min) that depict first-hand stories of queer activists from Ukraine. We will learn about their everyday reality of living in Ukraine, their dreams, struggles and hopes for the future, as well as their choice to fight for this future. The film screening will be followed by a discussion with Maria Vtoruchina & Oksana Potapova.

12. September 2025

Public discussion: Mattia Nelles - Ukraine's path to the EU: straight ahead or winding road?

On Friday, 12 September, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m at Room AM 03 (Auditorium Maximum), Logenstraße 4, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder)., join in public discussion with Mattia Nelles from the German-Ukrainian Office at European University Viadrina as part of the second KIU summer school.

NEW - KIURIOUS Interview with KIU Fellow Dr Micheal Dobbins

Since July 2025, Yuliya Svyrydenko has been Ukraine’s first female prime minister after the Revolution of Dignity, shaping the new government with her economic expertise and international negotiating skills. Political scientist Michael Dobbins explains the significance of her appointment amid war, reforms, and President Zelenskyy’s leadership.

18. September 2025

Book presentation ‘Freiheitsschauplatz’ with Susann Worschech - free entry

Thursday, 18 September 2025, 6.30 p.m., City and regional library, Frankfurt (Oder), Bischofstraße 17, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder), Free Entry: Book presentation "Freiheitsschauplatz" with Susann Worschech, scientific coordinator of KIU and editor of the book, author of the chapter about civil society in Ukraine, Garry Polushkin, co-author of the chapter on the economic transformation in Ukraine since 1991, Moderation: Gesine Dornblüth (text & töne; u.a. Journalistin für Deutschlandfunk)

Remembering and preserving in times of war

How do you protect cultural heritage in times of war, how does the work in museums continue when bombs fall and how do you prepare for reconstruction? Seven representatives from Ukrainian museums are currently travelling through Poland, Brandenburg and Berlin with questions like these in mind as part of the "Cultural Guardians" project. On 2 and 3 September, they met with Prof. Dr Paul Zalewski and the KIU – Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukraine Studies at the Viadrina.

09. September 2025

The Future of EU Support for Ukraine: Ensuring Security, Justice, and Peace in a Shifting Transatlantic Landscape (Online)

In an era of transatlantic uncertainty—marked by shifting U.S. foreign policy and evolving global dynamics—the European Union faces mounting pressure to assume leadership in advancing justice and durable peace in Ukraine. This policy-oriented panel convenes leading legal scholars, diplomats, and regional experts to critically assess whether the EU can uphold its commitments: providing military and economic support, securing accountability for war crimes, and facilitating a just and lasting peace for Ukraine Moderated by IEP and hosted in collaboration with ZOiS and KIU, the Europe Talks forum offers a platform for in-depth policy dialogue. This event is a opportunity to engage with the EU’s evolving strategic role in supporting peace and justice in Ukraine. Register now below

Upcoming Courses: Winter Semester 2025/26

New Ukraine-Related Courses at the Europa-Universität Viadrina, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and the Freie-Universität Berlin. We are excited to announce a new series of lectures and specialized courses focusing on Ukraine at the EUV, HU, and FU. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including Ukrainian language, literature, political history, and media analysis, offering students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of Ukraine's rich cultural and political landscape. Ukrainian Language Courses for various proficiency levels are also available, providing learners with the chance to build or strengthen their language skills alongside thematic academic studies.

New Publication - Ukraine Research in Germany: Failures and New Opportunities by Susann Worschech

For a long time, Ukraine was overlooked, underestimated, and misunderstood in Germany. The Russian war of aggression since 2022 has finally brought attention to the country, showing that structured, visible, and permanently funded research on Ukraine is needed. In the article published in the Forum for International Cultural Relations, Susann Worschech sheds light on how Ukraine has been marginalized in the past and how the gap in research and teaching can be narrowed.

Fellowships and Programmes

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Fellowships

The KIU Research Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies supports innovative and significant research on topics related to Ukraine.

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Programmes

The KIU Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Frankfurt (Oder) – Berlin offers various programmes. Among them is its first Summer School on "War in Ukraine: Destruction of heritage – mastering legacy".

Partners

Funded by

with funds from the Federal Foreign Office (AA)