Queen Mary Academics Unveil Cross-Disciplinary Centre for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies (CEREES)

Supported by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences  (HSS)and the Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, CEREES distinguishes itself as more than an ‘area studies’ centre. It positions the study of Eurasia within a broader interdisciplinary framework, addressing cross-disciplinary and cross-specialist concerns.

Drawing upon the expertise within the HSS at Queen Mary University of London, CEREES will collaborate with a variety of national and international institutions, foster innovative research and partnerships, and host scholarly and public events.

Director of CEREES, Dr Andy Willimott from the School of History commented: “As we embark on this exciting journey with the inauguration of CEREES, our aim is to create a vibrant intellectual hub where the rich tapestry of Eurasian, Russian, and East European cultures, histories, and global connections can be explored and understood.”

Deputy Director of CERESS, Professor Jeremy Hicks from the School of Languages, Linguistics and Film added: “We believe that this centre will not only be a crucible of knowledge but a catalyst for fresh perspectives and innovative research, fostering a deeper understanding of a complex region that continues to shape the world. Together, we will embark on a voyage of discovery, transcending boundaries and building bridges, as we endeavour to shed light on the multifaceted dynamics of Eurasia and its profound global influence.”

In light of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, CEREES seeks to play a pivotal role in reshaping approaches to the region. Specifically, it aims to expand existing understandings of the politics, people, and culture of the Russian Empire/Soviet Union, with a focus on Eurasian epistemologies—embracing various forms of local, imperial, and global knowledge systems—and the transnational connections and exchanges that influence the region and the wider world.