Summer School for Refugee, Displaced and At-Risk Researchers
1-5 September 2025 | Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia, Bulgaria
About
From 1 to 5 September 2025, the UNITe Centre of Excellence hosted the Summer School for Refugee Researchers. The training was organised by Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski as a joint initiative of the Transform4Europe Alliance and the EURAXESS ERA Talent project, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the inclusion of refugee researchers in the European labour market.
More than 30 researchers, academic staff, and administrative personnel from 18 European universities and organisations participated in the event. Leading Bulgarian and international experts provided training in areas including teamwork and collaboration, communication and knowledge sharing, mental health and well-being, critical thinking and problem-solving, international team work, research funding opportunities in Europe, grants and job application. Guest speakers from key stakeholders such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Bulgaria and EURAXESS shared practical insights and case studies addressing the challenges faced by refugee researchers.
The programme combined joint sessions for researchers and staff with group work on concrete topics and tasks. Short, one-hour seminars introduced essential themes related to overcoming challenges and developing soft skills. The organisers applied a learning-by-doing approach, incorporating presentations, discussions, group and individual exercises, and networking activities.
In their feedback the participants shared satisfaction with the content and organisation of the Summer School. Below are some of their responses.
“I would like to sincerely thank the organisers and lecturers for their effort and support throughout the event. The workshops was very inspiring and provided excellent opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration, and understanding step by step. I look forward to future training activities.”
“Thank you for the invitation to this international, multicultural, very useful event of the highest level! Support for scientists who are at risk is extremely important! I wish the organisers good health and development!”
As anticipated, the largest group of participants came from Ukraine, alongside participants from countries across Africa and Asia, fostering a truly diverse and international learning environment.
