What is your role at the European Institute, and how does your role relate to the Beyond Eurocentrism programme?
I am the Institute Manager of the EI. I’m responsible for planning, strategy and development in the department, and serve as head of our professional services. My role is one of support for Beyond Eurocentrism – ensuring proper resources are allocated to the programme, contributing to its overall direction and strategy, and providing leadership in the EI so that colleagues can teach and conduct research in a supportive community.
What do you think about the EI's commitment to going beyond Eurocentrism?
I think it’s crucial. Not only is it something that our students expect of us, but it’s the right thing to do. As a leading social science institution we have a responsibility to challenge and question ‘old’ thinking and ideas - in our public events, our teaching, and in our research. I’m proud that the European Institute wants to lead rather than follow; our multidisciplinary approach makes us an ideal place for the study of Europe, and that includes critically thinking about Europe, its place in the world, and what it means to be European.
Do you have any highlights from your time at the EI that relate to the focus of the Beyond Eurocentrism programme?
We’ve had some fantastic public events, but two in particular really stand out as being different to what we’ve done in recent years: our ‘Queering Europe’ event on nationalism and sexuality, and our ‘Is Europe White?’ event looking at white privilege. Our student conferences on Europe & Africa and on Ukraine are also high points. I am incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far, so it’s hard to choose just one thing.
What parts of the Beyond Eurocentrism programme do you find the most exciting?
I think our events programme is incredibly exciting, and I’m really thrilled that we have been involving students in our research on decolonising the curriculum.