Researchers on Russia
From 24–28 November 2025, the NEST Centre will host an online research school designed for emerging Russia specialists based in Europe and the US. Led by James Sherr OBE, the programme offers access to leading scholars and practitioners on Russia’s post-Cold War trajectory, foreign policy, and international security. Evening sessions | 90 minutes each | In English Online Application Deadline: 3 November 2025 Topics include: Russia and the West after the Cold War NATO, EU enlargement and division Russia–Middle East dynamics China’s rise and Moscow Post-2022 relations with the West Open to: MA/PhD students or recent graduates (up to 2 years) in IR, history, sociology, or political science Researchers with Russian + English (B2+) Applicants with dissertation topics or research directly tied to Russian studies Participants will submit an essay after the programme, and the three best essays receive €3,000 mini-grants to continue research and publish through the NEST Centre. Applications should be sent to school@nestcentre.org with the subject line: ‘NEST Centre Competition + [Surname]’. Required documents: - Academic CV; - Short description (up to 1,000 characters) of your dissertation topic or research interests in English; - Motivation letter (up to 1,000 characters) describing your research focus and how you plan to continue it within the framework of the mini-grant, in Russian. Decisions will be announced by November 10, 2025. Up to 20 participants will be admitted to the online school.