Institute Research Forum
Building on earlier sporadic research seminars, the Institute took a major step forward at its retreat in Eger in September 2025 with the formal establishment of dedicated research groups. These groups were launched around key thematic areas like Power, Policy and Practice (PPP), Political Economy, Identity Politics, Economics of Mental Health, and Global Mobility, etc. Their mission is to provide a structured and collaborative environment where members meet regularly to present and discuss papers, exchange ideas, and initiate joint research projects. By fostering a culture of intellectual exchange and inviting contributions from international experts, the groups aim to strengthen the Institute’s academic community, broaden its global reach, and generate impactful research outcomes.
Power, Policy and Practice Research Group
Purpose: The goal is to provide a forum for ISPS colleagues to exchange ideas and advance scholarship at the intersection of politics, policy, and administration. We welcome contributions across departments on a broad range of topics, including politico-administrative relations, anti-corruption, and all phases of the policy process, including design, implementation and compliance. At this initial stage, the emphasis is on getting to know each other’s work, providing constructive feedback, and creating a supportive, inclusive, and developmental space. We hope this will lead, over time, to joint publications, larger collaborative projects, and external grant applications.
September 29 Event
Jacob Thomas presented his paper “What Ties Individuals to a Society? How (Im)mobility Capital Stratifies International Legal Mobility and Migration” to be submitted to a Q1 journal, and examines how US consular officers assess visa applicants’ (im)mobility capital, revealing counterintuitive findings about immigration intentions and approval rates.
Political Economy Research Group
to be uploaded
Identity Politics Research Group
to be uploaded
Public Opinion on Competing Economic Interest Research Group
to be uploaded soon
Global Mobility Research Group
Economics of Mental Health Research Group
to be uploaded soon
Journalistic Autonomy Research Group
to be uploaded soon
Central and Eastern European Studies Research Center
The aim is to build cross-Institute collaboration and partnerships with external scholars.