Open Call for GLOBSEC Labs

Enjoy the laboratory of thinking and fuel your knowledge with GLOBSEC Labs!

GLOBSEC Labs organized by GLOBSEC Academy Centre is composed of 5 unique events taking place during this winter semester. 4 great lectures dedicated to the topic of Energy security and an intensive workshop-day aimed at improving writing and debating skills will be opened for the students with a vivid interest in Energy topics at the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations in Banská Bystrica. After the end of the project, participants will be asked to submit a short policy paper on a topic related to Energy security and the selection of the policy papers will be later on published at the GLOBSEC Academy Centre blog, the most outstanding participant will have an excellent opportunity to experience short-term internship at the GLOBSEC Policy Institute.

Let´s take a brief look at the GLOBSEC Labs agenda for this academic winter semester.

12.10.2016

ENERGY SECURITY SAYS HELLO_INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

The main aim of this lecture is to provide a brief introduction to the topic of Energy security, to explain the concept of Energy security in general, to clarify the basic terminology, to enlighten multiple aspects of Energy security and to touch upon the relevance of the topic in the context of international relations.

13.10.2016

ENERGY SECURITY MEETS GEOPOLITICAL AND REGIONAL CHALLENGES_ SOURCES OF ENERGY IN CENTRAL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The main aim of this lecture is to provide a broader picture of the evolvement of energy power map of Central European countries and main drivers of their energy policies; to explain potential threats and opportunities that can emerge from their current energy mix for the future and also to highlight the recent problems and priorities in Energy security. This lecture will also touch upon the polemic about the use of nuclear energy, its potential costs and benefits in this region.

3.11.2016

ENERGY SECURITY NEEDS INFRASTRUCTURE_ STRENGHTS AND WEAKNESSES OF EUROPEAN UNION PROJECTS

The main aim of this lecture is to answer the question regarding current strengths and weaknesses of the EU energy infrastructure, as well as to look at the present state of infrastructural projects. What should be done in order to satisfy different national interests and is it even possible?

10.11.2016

ENERGY SECURITY IN GREEN_ RENEWABLES AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF BALANCED ENERGY MIX

The main aim of this lecture is to underline the fact that renewables are a key factor in climate commitments of the European union, but are they also fit for a real market competition? In what aspects can the usage of renewables influence our Energy security?

15.12.2016

ACADEMIC VS. THINK-TANK WRITING_WORKSHOP

This workshop is aimed at explaining the basic differences when using “academic” and “think-tank” style of writing. But what do they have in common? And what is the most important thing to do before you type down the title of a future article?

15.12.2016

BUILDING A STRONG ARGUMENT_WORKSHOP

This workshop is aimed at improving the urgently needed soft-skill of building a strong argument as a part of a broader debate training.

Interested? Apply HERE until 5th October and your Policy Paper on Energy Security can be published at our blog page, but you can also prove that you are eligible for a short-term internship at GLOBSEC Policy Institute!

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New KFOS project kicked off in Thessaloniki

On 13^th-14^th July 2016 a new project sponsored by Kosovo Open Society Foundation was launched in Thessaloniki. It is aimed on building knowledge of new statehood in Southeast Europe, focusing on creating and disseminating policy-relevant new information about Kosovo.

16 young researchers from Slovakia, Romania, Greece, Albania, Cyprus, Serbia, FYROM, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered on 13^th of July in the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki to work on their research projects with their supervisors. The skilled researchers based on universities from all around the world – Arolda Elbasani, Nikolas Tzifakis, Stephanie Schwandner-Sievers, Agon Demjaha and Elton Skendaj – gave the younger ones precious advice regarding research plans, relevant literature and helped them to specify their research questions.

The sessions were complemented by master classes about research design and methodology in political research by Kostas Gemenis from University of Twente; about Kosovar diplomacy after independence by Agon Demjaha from South East European University; and by informal discussion on Brexit and its consequences for Western Balkans. In the afternoon of July 13^th researchers also visited the Thessaloniki City Hall in order to meet with progressive Mayor Boutaris, who did great job in opening the city and reviving its Jewish heritage. Unfortunately, some serious events prevented mayor from coming, so just his deputy expressed warm welcome to the group and shortly outlined the cornerstones of successful policy of Mayor Boutaris.

Aim of the project is to create a publication with new ideas and information about Kosovo by February, with thematically varied chapters in the highest academic standard – from security and IR perspectives on western Balkans, to anthropology, sociology and economics. From March onwards the phase of dissemination will begin, where the aim is to bring the new knowledge to as wide spectrum of citizens as possible.

  Two days full of hard work on research and dissemination plans, networking and learning were just an initial phase. Next few months will be spent in research from behind the desk and in October researchers will be able to gather more information on field trip in Kosovo.

Energy Summer School

One month has already passed since the end of a very special event – Energy Summer School powered by Slovenské elektrárne and its partners and GLOBSEC Academy Centre was a part of this energetic ride.

The Energy Summer School was organized under the auspices of H.E. Maroš Šefčovič, Vice President of the European Commission for Energy Union, who decided to personally meet the students and discuss with them about their ideas on Europe’s energy outlook.

In 2016, Energy Summer School welcomed a 20 excellent university students regardless of their field of study or degree and the team behind the Energy Summer School further extended its reach to include participants from all Visegrad 4 countries and also participants from Lithuania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Uganda and Albania.

The 2016 program was full of interactive workshops and discussions with high level representatives of the European and international energy sector, energy experts, analysts and journalists, while organizing visits to several power plants and installations that are normally off limits for public, with trainings and various social and networking activities.

The overall impact and atmosphere cannot be better described than using following two quotes, one from the panelist Adrzej Anczgier, Climate Analytics, saying that: “This school is fascinating especially when I listen to the questions, which are extremely sophisticated and at a very high level. To answer them is also difficult for professionals. But there is much more that goes into the school because we need more elites, new elites. We need new leaders and those leaders are being created here. This school is great and we need more of this.” And another one by Jan Málek, Participant of Energy Summer School who added that: “It was extremely powerful experience in the sense that I have met a lot of people who are absolutely into the topic, who want to be active in the field of energy in the future and these contacts will be very helpful in the future.”

Project manager of GLOBSEC Academy Centre Martina Šinkovičová took part in this extraordinary series of debates, trainings and visits as well and also presented the work of GLOBSEC Academy Centre to participating students.

To make a long story short – Energy Summer School team, you did a great job! And GLOBSEC Academy Centre strongly recommends to all student with vivid interest in energy topics to participate at Energy Summer School 2017!

To learn more, visit: https://www.seas.sk/summerschool

GLOBSEC Academy Centre Opened

GLOBSEC Academy Centre is a joint educational project by GLOBSEC and the Faculty of Politcal Science and International Relations of the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica. The project’s aim is to find exceptional young individuals and educate them to become the new generation of world-class analysts on global security and international relations. Read the press release in Slovak language in the file below.