Minority Issues Research Institute

Research That Matters

About Us

MIRI is an independent non-partisan think tank headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia. We are dedicated to conducting research on minority issues and promoting the rights of minorities worldwide. We foster collaboration and connections between scientists, researchers, practitioners, and minorities from diverse backgrounds to work towards a more just, fair and inclusive future.

MIRI Events

Stay up to date on the latest events and initiatives addressing current affairs and minority issues by checking out the upcoming events hosted by MIRI.

Fri, Nov 10
Online Event
Is Russia Back to the Grand Chessboard: Niger, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Gaza
Nov 10, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM GMT+1
Online Event
Minority Issues Research Institute (MIRI) is organizing a panel of experts from the regions affected by conflicts to shed light on these events and explore the extent to which they are part of the Russian geopolitical chess game.
Closed
Fri, Oct 06
Online Event
Transformation of Europe after Russian aggression into Ukraine
Oct 06, 2023, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM GMT+2
Online Event
Talk by Mitchell A. Orenstein on the topic Transformation of Europe after Russian aggression into Ukraine within the MIRI Seminar on Current Affairs. Mitchell A. Orenstein is a Professor of Russian and East European Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Details
Sat, Sep 30
Online Event
Roma-minority treatment in Slovakia during pandemic
Sep 30, 2023, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Online Event
Guest Lecture by Dr Svetluša Surová, Senior Researcher of Minority Issues Research Institute (MIRI) for the students of the Florida International University of the class on the International Protection of Human Rights.
Details

Watch The Latest Seminar

Talk by Mitchell A. Orenstein on the topic Transformation of Europe after Russian aggression into Ukraine within the MIRI Seminar on Current Affairs

What We Do

Public Policy Research

Our team of experienced researchers conducts policy analysis and research to address the challenges faced by minority communities. We provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote inclusive policies and practices.

Capacity Building

We offer training and capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals and organizations working on minority issues. Our programs cover a range of topics including research methodologies, advocacy and community mobilization.

Networking & Collaboration

We facilitate connections and collaboration between stakeholders working on minority issues. We organize events, workshops, and conferences to bring together researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and minority communities to share knowledge and best practices.

Communications& Advocacy

We develop communication strategies and outreach campaigns to raise awareness about minority issues and promote inclusive policies and practices.

Meet MIRI Team

MIRI is a dedicated team of experts working towards promoting and protecting human and minority rights in Slovakia and abroad. We believe in the importance of research, education, and active involvement in shaping a more just society. Learn more about our team and the work we do to make a difference.

Founder, President and Senior Researcher

Svetluša Surová

Dr Svetluša Surová is a Senior Researcher at MIRI focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human and minority rights, as well as the political participation of minorities in Serbia. From the long-term perspective, she has been researching minority policies in Serbia and Slovakia, diasporic policies, and collective identities of the Slovak minority in Serbia. She organizes Capacity-building, Networking and Charitable activities at MIRI.

Currently, Dr Surová works on an international project Enhancing Minority Participation in Decision-Making Processes Through Policy Work and Exchanges as Chief Policy Researcher for Slovakia in cooperation with Mattias Bel Institute. She is the Founder and Research Analyst at Gnarum, s.r.o. offering expert consulting, and social and market research.

Senior Researcher

Mirsad Kriještorac

Dr Mirsad Kriještorac is a Senior Researcher at the MIRI focusing on the Bosnian Muslim and Goranci minorities. Dr Kriještorac organizes Capacity-building and Networking activities at MIRI.

He holds a PhD in Political Science from FIU’s School of International and Public Affairs, where he teaches classes on Nationalism and Ethnicity, and on the International Protection of Human Rights.

He is also a research fellow at the FIU Jafar's Muslims World Studies Center and an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Broward College.

Senior Researcher

Daniela Škutová

Dr Daniela Škutová is a Senior Researcher at the MIRI focusing on the issues democratic values in education and inclusive education of minorities. Dr Škútová organizes Capacity-building and Networking activities at MIRI.

She is working at the Faculty of Political Sciences and International Relations of the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica since its inception in 1995. She is a member of the Scientific Council, the union committee for doctoral studies, and the Deputy editor-in-chief of the journal Political Sciences. She taught the subjects of political thinking and political ideologies. She has published several scientific studies and participated in conferences.

Senior Research Associate

Patricia C. Agupusi

Dr Patricia C. Agupusi is a Senior Research Associate at MIRI focusing on the rise of domestic terrorism and insurgencies. She does research in comparative political economy.

Dr Agupusi is an Assistant Professor of Social Science at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts US. Her research interests include state capacity, entrepreneurship, international security, inequality, and the political economy of development.

She obtained her PhD in International Development with a specialization in political economy from the University of East Anglia, UK.

Senior Research Associate

Arsène Brice Bado

Dr Arsène Brice Bado is a Senior Research Associate at MIRI focusing on ethnic pluralism, conflict analysis and forced migration.

Dr Arsène Brice Bado is the Vice-Président for Academic Affairs and International Cooperation, and assistant professor of political science and international relations at CERAP/Université Jésuite in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

He is an associate researcher both at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) of Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa, and at the Centre for International Policy Studies (CIPS), University of Ottawa, Canada. He is a Holman Visiting Fellow at Penn Development Research Initiative (PDRI) of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, during the Fall Semester 2023.

Senior Research Associate

Nnaoma Hyacinth Iwu

Dr Nnaoma Hyacinth Iwu is a Senior Research Associate at MIRI focusing on the research on Throes of Minorities in a Manufactured Majoritarian Electoral Democracy in Nigeria. His research interests include Conflict Resolution, Research Methodology in Political Science, Civil Society and Participation, Comparative Political Analysis, Political Party and Governance, Civil-Military Relations, Good Governance Issues, Strategic Studies and International Relations Issues.

He is a Lecturer in Comparative Politics, Civil Society, Conflict Resolution, and Strategic Studies Department of Political Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria.

Founder and Fundraising Manager

Cord Hoppe

Cord Hoppe is a Fundraising Manager focusing on fundraising activities at MIRI. Living most of his life outside his home country of Germany, he has developed a sense of the importance of minorities and democratic values, which he will be promoting in his role at MIRI.

He has more than thirty years of experience in banking, IT sector, cloud computing, people management and consulting. He is working at Raiffeisen Informatik responsible for Cloud computing platforms for 15 banks and 15 insurance companies.

Founder and Project Manager

Marek Waller

Marek Waller is a Project Manager at MIRI. He focuses on managing research projects and various charity activities that aim to improve the lives of those in need, both locally and globally. He is dedicated to making a positive impact in our world.

Founder and Youth Activities Manager

Dražen Derek Hoppe

Dražen Derek Hoppe is a Youth Activities Manager, and he leads the charge in our educational and charitable activities for the youth. With a strong belief that every action we take can change someone's life for the better, he is helping with providing learning resources, charity events, or mentorship programs for youth.

MIRI SEMINARS

MIRI Seminar on Current Affairs

Is Russia Back to the Grand Chessboard: Niger, Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Gaza

November 10, 3 pm CET

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