Our mission

The importance of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe for Bavaria

Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe have traditionally been of particular importance to Bavaria, both historically and politically, as well as economically and culturally. The Bavarian state government has repeatedly emphasised this in the past, not least because of their geographical proximity. This is one of the reasons why Bavaria, Germany as a whole, and the German language still enjoy an exceptional reputation in these regions, bringing with them many advantages. In doing so, it is important to consolidate the specific European bridging function of Bavarian universities and their cooperation in this region, including in the field of science. 

However, as this area is extremely heterogeneous, not only due to its varying proximity to the European Union, but also due to the diversity of languages and mentalities, the large number of relevant countries requires specific expertise, particularly when it comes to supporting scientific cooperation.

Teaching and research expertise

The special responsibility with which Bavaria has always acted toward Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe has resulted in a high level of teaching and research expertise in this area. This includes numerous international study programs on Eastern Europe. This teaching expertise, which is exceptional even when compared to other subjects, is matched by research expertise that is at least as renowned. Teaching and research in this particular geographical area is the driving force behind the transfer of specialist expertise to those disciplines and universities that want to be networked within this area.

The importance of the younger generation of researchers in Eastern Europe
In the 1990s, many young scientists from countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe emigrated, resulting in a significant gap in the middle generation of researchers in those countries. As partners for demanding research collaborations, individual committed researchers remain in the middle and, in some cases, older generations who have gained experience in scientific cooperation with Western European universities. In order to create a broader basis for research cooperation, it is therefore all the more important to involve the younger generation, who are now once again more likely to consider a scientific career in their country of origin. 

Cross-university structures in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe

BAYHOST also faces a number of special challenges in the countries of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe with regard to cross-university structures. There is no counterpart to BAYHOST in any of the countries that could be considered a direct partner institution. University associations exist only in some cases, e.g., based on subject area or region. In this respect, BAYHOST must maintain a broader network that includes contacts with individual universities and even committed individuals within the universities. Competition between universities for international contacts plays a role here. Added to this is the strong independence of the individual faculties vis-à-vis the university.

BAYHOST tackles these exceptionally diverse and varied tasks with a high level of regional expertise and offers itself as a partner institution to Bavarian universities for all upcoming issues.