Overview of RSCAS Mission and Focus
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vivekdivekarOverview of RSCAS Mission and Focus
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vivekdivekarThe Centre at a Glance
Our research disentangles the web
of challenges and opportunities for
Europe and the world, and
contributes to understanding patterns of
continuity, change and transformation within
the European Union, its members, and
globally
— Brigid Laffan,
Director, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies
(RSCAS)
The Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (RSCAS) is an inter-
disciplinary research centre at the heart of the European University Institute
(EUI).
It was established in 1992 to complement the four disciplinary departments that
make up the European University Institute (EUI) with the vocation of being
involved in both basic and policy research, collaborating with other centres of
excellence in Europe, providing opportunities for young scholars and promoting
dialogue with the world of practice.
Over time these goals have progressively focused into a number of core areas
such as the institutions, governance and democracy of the European Union,
migration studies, economic and monetary policy, competition and market
regulation, energy policy and so on.
The Centre was originally financed via the EUI budget but over time it has been
successful in obtaining external funds. Among the external funds, large projects
financed by the EU remain predominant, but the proportion of private donors –
firms and foundations – has been steadily increasing.
The ‘Schuman community’ today consists of Schuman chairs, joint chairs,
part-time professors, post-doctoral fellows, visiting fellows, research fellows and
assistants, project managers and administrators. Its staffing level ranges from
140 to 180 depending on the needs of its programmes and projects.
The Centre takes its name from Robert Schuman, one of founding fathers of the
European Communities.
Mission
The Centre’s mission is to “contribute to research on the major issues facing
contemporary European society, including questions associated with the
construction of Europe. Its activities shall be based on the findings of basic
research in the human and social sciences, in particular in the disciplines
represented at the Institute. It shall favour comparative and interdisciplinary
activities.”
The current research agenda of the Centre focuses on three core themes:
Integration, Governance and Democracy
Regulating markets and governing money
21st Century world politics and Europe
