VIENNA: one-month stay with NAWA PROM grant

This spring, I spent a month at the Department of Sociology, University of Vienna, with NAWA PROM grant for GSSR PhD students. 

My visit was kindly hosted by Prof Anna Durnová’s research team, specialising in political and cultural sociology, sociology of emotions, and interpretive methods. Here, I was greeted by the amazing atmosphere of the European University – this unique combination of sophisticated theoretical debates and the relaxed ease and playfulness of the conversation. 

I began by presenting at the VII International Alfred Schutz Circle conference, hosted by Michaela Pfadenhauer’s team. Devoted to the 80th anniversary of the iconic essay On Multiple Realities, the conference brought together prominent Schutzian researchers from all over the globe; even Schutz’s grand- and grand-grand-daughters flew from the USA to take part in the ceremonial meeting.  

I had the opportunity to present my work at the Soziologisches Werkstattgespräch – a warm and homely environment to discuss work in progress. Unexpectedly, I was also invited to give a talk for master students enrolled in the Sociology of War course – and it was a bittersweet moment, seeing a sincere attempt to grasp the horrors of war in the eyes of these untroubled European children. 

There were loads of other remarkable events and meetings. I visited RECET – Research Platform for the Study of Transformations and Eastern Europe – a community of historians and sociologists that convinced me once again how deep historical knowledge can enrich sociological research. I attended a ton of lectures and seminars at several departments – the University of Vienna doors are always open to the public until late evening. And not to forget the university library – undoubtedly the richest I have ever encountered! 

And, of course, the beauty of Vienna itself – probably the only European capital where you can get off at the terminal station of the city train and still be surrounded by palaces and museums. My apartment was five minutes from the famous Vienna Woods, the same from Ernst Fuchs-Museum and Gustav Klimt’s villa, and ten from Schönbrunn Palace – in which another city could you find such a combination?

I want to conclude with one simple call: if you are eligible - apply! Academic life is that rare space where the most rewarding experiences come together: reading, thinking, writing, discovering, engaging with brilliant minds – and, yes, travelling the world in the process. What could be better?