A group of LiU PhD candidates took part in a research exchange programme in Vienna. The programme is an interdisciplinary collaboration in philosophy, sociology, and migration studies, that strengthens academic ties between Austria and Sweden and contributes to innovative research.
The unique research exchange program known as the Research Exchange Program for PhD Candidates Austria - Sweden 2025, is a collaborative effort organised by Professor Claudia Tazreiter at LiU and Professor Dr. Marina Gržinić from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
In November 2024 Prof Gržinić and several PhD students visited Linköping University in Sweden. The exchange in March 2025, where PhD candidates from Linköping University was brought together with students in Austria, were a response to that visit.
Experiences from two participants
Aruana Rosa, a visiting PhD candidate at LiU, from the University of Aveiro, Portugal.
"It was a great opportunity for all of us to create a community where we could do more than discuss themes that are important to us."
“We could also build solidarity with each other and with groups that are constantly marginalized in our society, such as refugees, migrants, and queer people. The PhD candidates from Austria came to Norrköping last year and we went there in March 2025. It was, and is, a space that gives me a lot of knowledge and makes me think about future projects that could connect art, migration, and critical thinking.”
Can you give an example of something that has been particularly important fory you during this program?
“I am grateful for REMESO, and the invitation from Professor Claudia Tazreiter, and the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna to make this possible. During the program we definitely had great days of discussion and learning. But if I could highlight a moment, it would actually be two:
The dinner at the restaurant with Yemen food where everyone shared a good laugh and was impressed by how everything was very tasty. For me, more than building knowledge in these programs, sharing friendships and spreading love through culture and food helps to break down the biases that I think all of us have. And also the the walking tour that Asma, a PhD candidate from Austria gave to us, sharing a bit of the history of Muslims in the city. It was important to learn from a different perspective of history.”
Haqqi Bahram, Associate Professor at Division of Migration, Ethnicity and Society (REMESO).
His research explores statelessness and its various intersections in contexts of forced migration and asylum and in relation to identity formation and belonging.
What are your thoughts about the trip to Vienna?
“This staff mobility was very informative, and we got to learn a lot about research carried out by colleagues at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. We also visited other research centres and places in the city and listened to inspiring talks and presentations.”
You arranged a workshop; how did it go?
“My talk was both about my PhD dissertation and research interests in statelessness and transitional justice. I had a very interesting exchange of ideas with the audience at Sigmund Freud Private University. I appreciate all the questions that I received after the talk, which were helpful for me to further elaborate on the theoretical underpinnings of my research.”
You have finished your PhD; what did this network mean to you?
“This was a unique opportunity to network and to talk about my research shortly after I had completed my PhD.”
What is your next step?
“I look forward to staying in touch with the colleagues in Vienna and exploring future opportunities for research collaboration and exchange.”
Focus on arts theory and practice, the social sciences and humanities
Professor Claudia Tazreiter, at REMESO LiU, program organiser at LiU:
“The program successfully fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange in philosophy, theory, sociology, and migration studies. It provided a platform for PhD candidates to engage in transnational research dialogues, share expertise, and enhance their academic networks.” Says professor Claudia Tazreiter, at REMESO LiU, that is the program organiser at LiU.
This initiative has not only strengthened academic ties between Austria and Sweden, it has also contributed to the broader academic community by promoting innovative research and collaboration.
The program is supported by several prestigious institutions, including: The International Office of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Erasmus Plus Program, the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft (LBG) and the Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, through its Interdisciplinary Research Center on Islam and Muslims in Europe (IFIME).
