The Regional Research Promotion Programme in the Western Balkans (RRPP) aims at establishing and strengthening research capacities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The programme has an implementation perspective of 10 years and will support the development of research capacities in the area of social sciences, especially in topics relevant to transformation. It should offer a cooperation platform to researchers in the region, particularly those that are to become the driving force of higher education reforms and that can effectively promote a stronger recognition of the social sciences and above all the significance of research in this area.

At present, the RRPP works with nucleus partners in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Macedonia. However, it is entirely open for and welcomes additional partners.

Topic: "Social, Political and Economic Change in the Western Balkans"

Interested young researchers and scientists (MA and PhD candidates) are invited to apply to participate at the RRPP Annual Conference that will take place in Albania from 25 till 26 June 2010.
The main objectives of the conference are to:

• provide opportunities for researchers dealing with the region to meet, network, exchange and discuss their research projects, results and ideas;
• discuss the challenges, the contradictions and ambivalences of the transformation process with which social sciences are confronted in the Balkans;

• MA and PhD students dealing with the Western Balkans, and eager to present and discuss their research work with colleagues from the region and beyond (especially current PhD projects and/or research results) that can be related to the topic: "Social, Political and Economic Change in the Western Balkans".
• The papers to be presented can deal with the region in general or with the change-processes in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia in particular.
• For more information about the RRPP current research projects, please go to the RRPP Web site, section Current Projects.

The selected candidates will be able to present and discuss their work in one of the methodological or thematic workshops, where the RRPP researchers will also present their research projects, methodology-related issues and results.

All interested candidates should submit their short Curriculum Vitae (1 page), an outline of their research paper to be presented at the conference (300-500 words) and a short motivation letter by 15 April, 2010 the latest, through office@rrpp-westernbalkans.net. The selection process will be completed and announced by 10 May, 2010.

For those accepted, the University of Fribourg will cover travel and accommodation expenses, and/or provide opportunities for co-financing if the costs in individual cases exceed the average expenses per participant coming to the conference.

The selected participants will be informed about the programme and specific workshops of the conference, as well as the technical details in due time.

The organisers reserve the right to limit the number of applicants accepted to participate at the conference.