Interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences
Ranked 2nd nationally for research power and 1st among modern universities for research quality by REF2021
The Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR) offers global perspectives on the major social transformations of the past and present, specialising in research into cross-border transnational and supranational dimensions of Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia. With strong roots in Area Studies, CEISR provides a unique interdisciplinary space for scholars in the humanities and social sciences to identify thematic synergies that break free from disciplinary silos. In doing so, the Centre focuses on three core thematic research areas: marginality, inequality and security.
In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, our entry in Area Studies was ranked as the top modern UK university for overall quality by Grade Point Average (GPA) and research power, and 2nd across all UK universities for research power, according to Times Higher Education. 100% of our impact was rated as having outstanding or very considerable reach and significance.
CEISR’s annual calendar has as its key focus two high profile events: the CEISR Annual Lecture and the CEISR Public Lecture. These high profile events underscore CEISR’s research focus on marginality, inequality and security and its contribution to the building of civic engagement with the humanities and social sciences at the University of Portsmouth.
Partnerships and collaborations
CEISR works with a number of external stakeholders including Chatham House, The European Parliament, The West Africa Peace and Security Network, and Friends Without Borders. CEISR hosts a number of Area Studies PhD students each year through the ESRC South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (with the Universities of Southampton and Brighton).
Funding
Our activities have been funded by major UK and European research councils, including:
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- European Social Fund (ESF)
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
- European Union (EU)
- UNESCO
- British Academy
- Various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
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Research
Research groups
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Decolonising Spaces
We're researching the history, societies, cultures, politics and languages of different regions of the world, with a particular emphasis on decolonial perspectives.
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History Research Group
We're researching aspects of social and cultural history in European societies, and further afield.
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Peace, Conflict and Security Research Group
We're researching interdisciplinary issues of international peace and conflict.
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Sociology And Social Theory Research Group
We're researching a wide range of issues surrounding sociology with interests including culture, emotions, gender and work.
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Transnational Politics and Society Research Group
We're researching cross-border transnational and supranational dimensions of Europe, the European Union, and the wider world.
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Women's and Gender Studies Research Group
We're researching women and gender issues in a wide range of historical, social and cultural contexts.
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Education, Social Justice and Transformation Research Group
This group seeks to open up opportunities to share and explore critical, radical, alternative and liberatory approaches to the research and practice of education across multiple global contexts.
Research areas and areas of expertise
Area studies
We're exploring international relations, history, politics, economies, cultures, languages and geography across specific regions. Explore our area studies research.
Development studies
We're working with governments, communities and people to encourage growth in stagnant economies, and to develop the sustainable technology to provide resources to developing countries.
Education
We're researching what education looks like for different groups of people around the globe, while pushing for social justice and the human rights agenda worldwide.
History
We're understanding our society through the study of experiences, culture, values and activities of people throughout history.
Languages and applied linguistics
We're looking beyond words to explore how they're used in certain contexts, and the relationship words can have with social constructs such as class or power. Explore our languages and applied linguistics research.
Politics and international relations
We're exploring pressing issues in politics and international relations and working with organisations, governments and individuals to find solutions.
Sociology
We're studying the patterns of relationships, social interaction, cultures and communities, and how people live their lives. Explore our sociology research.
Women's and gender studies
We're exploring women’s issues and gender issues in social and cultural contexts through time, and how gender is represented in the media. Explore our women's and gender studies research.
Our members
Director of CEISR
Dr Simon Stewart
CEISR Executive
Media ready expert
Professor Wolfram Kaiser
Media ready expert
Dr Melita Lazell
Dr Isabelle Cockel
Dr Brigitte Leucht
Dr Charlotte Morris
Professor Jane Creaton
Professor Barry Smart
Dr Maria Cannon
Dr Robert James
Ms Laura Hyman
Dr Patricia Shamai
Dr Nora Siklodi
Dr Lana Chikhungu
Events Coordinators
Kris Nolan
Charlotte Steffen
Media Coordinator
Mark Anthony Kaye
News, blogs and podcasts
Find our more about our latest research successes, read blogs by our academics and listen to the latest ideas and discoveries that look set to change our lives in our Life Solved podcast.
Security and Risk blog
Read the latest insights into security and risk in relation to our modern world, with a focus on government regulations, online safety, cyber wars and travel security.
Episode 1: The Coronavirus Toolkit
Portsmouth researchers discuss the issues that have arisen as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Episode 2: How Politics Became Social
Dr James Dennis explores how political behaviour is changing in the digital age.
Episode 5: Drone warfare
Professor Peter Lee spoke to drone operators about how their job does not detach them from the act of killing.
