The Institute of Contemporary History at the University of Luxembourg is in the process of being set up. After posting a job ad for the role of director, the University has now also published the research centre's mission and guiding principles. It will become the University's third interdisciplinary centre after the establishment of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) and the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) in 2011.

Digital focus will make research centre one of a kind

The research will focus on Luxembourg's contemporary history, the history of European integration and digital history. According to University President Rainer Klump, 'The centre will develop digital research in conjunction with the Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education (FLSHASE). This focus in particular will lend the centre an innovative edge, making it one of a kind in the field of European research.' He added that the consolidation of the three areas would give Luxembourg contemporary history a wider perspective and fit seamlessly into the university strategy.

Research focuses

In the area of Luxembourg contemporary history, the research will focus on political, social, economic and cultural phenomena that have had a profound influence on Luxembourg in the 20th and 21st centuries, and that go beyond a purely national perspective. In particular, this includes the World Wars and issues relating to the occupation and resistance, but also the transition from an industrial economy to a service-based economy, and nation-building.

The focus on European integration will consist of research into the economic, political and legal stages of European integration and disintegration, as well as crises and revivals of the European idea. Given that European integration also began in Luxembourg, one of the founding countries of the European Union, and that the country's history is closely linked with Europe, researchers believe it makes sense to bring the two areas together in one centre.

Digital history refers to modern-day methods and techniques for using digital sources for research, for example via the digital recording, storage and analysis of big historical datasets, and their visualisation. However, it also means conveying history to young people in a contemporary manner and new format, such as via social media or the internet. 'Young people have different communication habits. Therefore, researchers must learn to pass on their knowledge so that it is useful for society and the next generation', said the University President. The focus on digital history is embedded in the development of Digital Humanities at the FLSHASE, and benefits from the interdisciplinary perspective and shared infrastructure.

Integration of independent institutes

The Institute of Contemporary History has the working title 'Luxembourg Centre of Contemporary, European and Digital History', and will cooperate closely with the FLSHASE, its Institute for History and international partners. In line with a government decision, the University will integrate, by summer 2016, four previously independent national research centres in this area: 'Centre Virtuel de la Connaissance sur l’Europe' (CVCE), the 'Centre d’Études et de Recherches Européennes Robert Schuman', the 'Centre de documentation et de recherche sur la Résistance' and the 'Centre de documentation et de recherche sur l’enrôlement forcé'.

Rainer Klump said that Luxembourg research is in competent hands at the University, with guaranteed stable resources, teams and structures as well as international contacts, allowing long-term, in-depth research projects to be conducted at a high level. He added that as an interdisciplinary structure outside the Faculty, having a separate budget, the Centre is also largely autonomous, with researchers from a variety of disciplines ensuring internal diversity.

Meanwhile, the integration of around 40 employees from the CVCE into the University at the Belval Campus has started as well, so that the CVCE can continue with their ongoing activities and projects. “The University is currently working on a comprehensive new strategy where digital learning, our European mission and the University’s ties with Luxembourg are key elements. The integration of the CVCE represents an opportunity for us to further strengthen our digital strategy for a university of the 21st century”, explained Rainer Klump. “The CVCE's technical and digital infrastructure do not just benefit research into history or Europe, but rather the University as a whole.”

The future director will develop a detailed concept and make further decisions in cooperation with the University president. The decision on the nomination of the future director is expected by summer.

© Sophie Margue / University of Luxembourg 2015