Program Outline

1.

In Slovenia, as well as in the world, there exists an insufficient number of research and development centers for the humanities; the frameworks of universities and appurtenant organizations, instead of enabling it, rather impede the creation of interdisciplinary initiatives. Without the latter, the humanities will in all actuality begin to obstruct further development. Therefore, it is necessary to change the manner of standard discussion of the humanities in the proposed attempt to thematically and methodically open up all activities within the national and international environments. The humanities do not belong to the past, but within contemporary reality transform traditionally intermediated experience into a meaningful message for the future.

2.

With regards to such endeavors it is of supreme importance to comprehend the entirety of appropriate research, publication, and organization orientations; whereas the latter could be defined as being cultural-historical, multi- or trans-cultural, interdisciplinary, interinstitutional, and promotional, the emphasis should, however, be placed on the circumstance of intersection. As past experience shows, precisely the confrontation at a crossroads offers novel opportunities.

3.

The results of work already accomplished at the INR should be introduced into the planning of future activities, taking into account at the same time also the changed cultural, political, research, academic, and media circumstances.

4.

The geographical dimension of activities and cooperation requires an intensification of formal and thematic collaboration with related institutions in Slovenia, Europe, and around the world. On the one hand, the Mediterranean, South Eastern, and Eastern Europe could be determined as fundamental regions of interest. On the other hand, the existing and well-established collaborations should be concretized and further developed; in this respect, the INR seeks primary opportunities in the collaboration with the institutions in Prague, Venice, Pisa, Berlin, Barcelona, Moscow, Warwick, Copenhagen, London, Lisbon, Marseille, Vienna, Ankara, Famagusta, Izmir, Athens, Sofia, Cluj, Vilnius, Warsaw, Zagreb, Pula, Rijeka, Split, Zadar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Skopje, Pristina, as well as—outside of Europe—in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Taipei, Kyoto, and Chicago.

5.

The thematic horizons the INR would like to represent in the Slovenian and international environment are: the problem of freedom; the role of the humanities in society; economic importance of cultural heritage; language and humanities; identities, etc. Accordingly, the institute intends to organize round table discussions, panels, media events, conferences, and publication activities.

6.

The methodological aspect, as can be ascertained, is in the Slovenian environment underestimated; the insufficient interdisciplinary orientation of the humanities has namely led to a lack of methodological confrontations and encounters. The journal and book publications as well as project proposals of the INR intend to dedicate attention to the problematic of methodology.

7.

The inclusion of junior research fellows into research and organization activities (preparation of scientific and expert meetings, publications, internet applications, programs) represents one of the fundamental programmatic orientations of the institute. The majority of existing humanistic institutions, unfortunately, remains “indifferent” in this respect, inadvertently overlooking the “added value” of the personal and professional growth of younger generations with regards to research and education development.