Surely this is short time before applications must be submitted. It is of course understandable if not so many of you are able to apply this time. However, there will be new opportunities! New calls for applications for project grants and seed grants for education are to come. Therefore, I will encourage researchers at TF to reflect upon the possibilities of this initiative. What could be in it for you – for all of us?
Research on democracy in its many facets
UiO:Democracy consists of research on democracy in its many facets. It could be studied in the past or in the present, as a form of government and as a practice and way of life. Currently, democracy appears to be in retreat. After the end of the Cold War, we thought that totalitarianism had been overcome and democracy would be the dominant regime around the world. Today, however, democracy is under pressure. It cannot be taken for granted. UiO:Democracy’s Foundational document states that “[t]he discussion of the foundations, challenges and future of democracy is among the most important of our time.” From this follows that the society needs a firm research base to solve the challenges to democracy
Five main thematic tracks
This initiative seeks to attain a collective ownership to research on democracy at the University of Oslo. It is open to a diversity of perspectives, theories, and methods. Five main thematic tracks will be explored:
- Democracy as a form of governance and the institutions of democracy
- Citizens, diversity, and inequality
- The role and function of knowledge
- Democracy and crisis management
- Democracy in everyday life
TFF 5 October will deal with UiO:Democracy. After several small presentations there will be time for discussion. I hope as many as possible will be able to participate.