Regional Network of Centers for Advanced Studies in Southeast Europe (RECAS) is a flagship initiative of the Rectors Forum of Southeast Europe and Western Balkans, which gathers 30 universities that declare strong commitment to operate the Forum as a platform that develops concepts, co-ordinates measures and jointly advocates for European and regional collaboration, and European integration in the area of science, research and education. The main goal of this project is to retain talent, strengthen research capacities, bridge the gap between research and policymaking, and foster greater regional cooperation in the Western Balkans

ABOUT THE PROJECT
During the three-year project, RECAS will implement two interconnected and mutually reinforcing programs: Regional Fellowship Program and Academic Policy Lab. The Fellowship program invites Early Career Researchers through open calls to form investigative teams and develop research project applications or conduct postdoctoral research. The fellows spend 3 to 12 months at one of the Network’s centers and they will focus on one of the specific themes: European Integration, Green Transition and Digital Transformation). On the other hand, Academic policy lab aims to establish an expert pressure group in the Western Balkans, merging expertise and public engagement to reshape decision-making processes. The expert pressure group will gather representatives from RECAS network, alumni fellows and researchers from the active cohort of fellows.

LOCAL IMPACT
The project will retain and develop local talent by offering early-career researchers opportunities within their region. It will also strengthen local research infrastructure, develop policy proposals and conduct advocacy campaigns that can improve the governance in specific topics.

REGIONAL IMPACT
The project will enhance regional collaboration by building a network of universities and researchers, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation. It will bridge research and policymaking across the Western Balkans, driving evidence-based policies on key regional issues like EU integration, energy transition, and digital transformation.