PhD Candidates from Russia visit CBSS Secretariat

On 23 April 2019, the CBSS Secretariat had the pleasure to host a group of doctoral students, interested to learn more about CBSS and different cooperation formats in the Baltic Sea Region. Among the topics discussed between the representatives of the CBSS Secretariat and students studying in Russia was research and science cooperation in the macro-region, as well as some ideas for project development.

Daria Akhutina, Senior Adviser for Sustainable and Prosperous Region, welcomed the group of students with an introduction to the CBSS, its most recent high level meetings and the multifaceted work supported by the CBSS, which spans across a great variety of topics such as labour issues and its ties to the Policy Area Education, Research and Employability of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

In order to make the dynamic Baltic Sea Region cooperation more understandable to the students, Daria Akhutina guided them through the intricacies of the CBSS consultative formats and decision-making structures.

Science and research was the thematic domain more extensively elaborated during a consecutive presentation. Zane Šime, Communication & Research Coordinator, introduced students to the CBSS Science, Research and Innovation Agenda and the most recent history of the high-level debates on the collaboration in higher education, research, science and innovation.

Most recent publications of the Baltic Science Network and a hard copy of  “The Baltic Sea Region – A Science Powerhouse”, as well as Baltic TRAM and its Briefing Note 1/2019 “Baltic TRAM Smart Specialisation Trends” were some of the sources brought to the students´ attention. The stated reports offer more insight in the final findings of both CBSS endorsed projects.

This meeting was a good opportunity to follow-up on the previous informative session held on 12 November 2018. Some further suggestions were discussed how young people with a keen interest in the Baltic Sea Region might find viable solutions to translate their interests in specific project activities. Students were encouraged to explore networking opportunities offered by the existing set of public debates regularly organized or endorsed by the CBSS, such as the annual Baltic Sea Science Days. Likewise, Zane Šime reminded to pay attention to the existing rich layer of cooperative ties and multi-faceted thematic initiatives being implemented in the Baltic Sea Region. These processes should be taken into consideration before launching a new initiative.

All in all, the enthusiasm and enduring interest of students to engage in the multilateral Baltic Sea Region cooperation was a good example how much potential the macro-region holds and how many more promising minds will enrich its upcoming collaborative actions.