Strengthening Partnerships with Academia: MIRI and Trnava University Collaboration

The Minority Issues Research Institute (MIRI) and Trnava University in Trnava have taken a significant step already in 2025 by formalizing their partnership to focus on minority issues. This cooperation promises to enrich academic work, support student development, and promote minority studies through joint efforts.

 Minority Issues Research Institute (MIRI) and Trnava University in Trnava signed a memorandum in 2025 and cooperated throughout the academic year 2025/2026

Formalizing Cooperation Through a Memorandum

Last year, the Minority Issues Research Institute (MIRI) and Trnava University in Trnava signed a memorandum that officially established their partnership. This document sets the foundation for collaboration in research, education, and academic activities related to minority issues.

The memorandum outlines shared goals and principles, including cooperation in joint research projects and scholarly publications; exchange of expertise and resources to enhance academic and scientific work; support for students' and researchers' development through internships, seminars, and workshops; organization of conferences and educational events promoting minority studies and related disciplines; and uphold principles of mutual benefit, equality, and transparency in all cooperative activities.

This framework allows both institutions to plan and implement specific projects that advance their common interests.

Dr Svetluša Surová, Director and Senior Researcher of MIRI, plays a key role in this partnership. She oversees the implementation of joint initiatives and ensures they align with MIRI’s research goals. Her responsibilities include coordinating activities between MIRI and the Political Science department of Trnava University, facilitating communication and collaboration among researchers and educators and monitoring progress and outcomes of joint projects.

MIRI Educational Contributions

In the academic year 2025/2026, Dr Svetluša Surová contributed directly to education at the Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Trnava University in Trnava by designing and teaching two courses: Minority Studies and Minority Rights. These courses provided students with a comprehensive understanding of minority issues from social, legal, and political perspectives; critical thinking skills to analyze minority rights challenges; and knowledge applicable in practice.

MIRI appreciates Dr Surová’s dedication to sharing expertise and fostering knowledge exchange with students. As well, we are very honoured for cooperation opportunities with the Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Trnava University in Trnava.