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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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History

We're understanding our society through the study of experiences, culture, values and activities of people throughout history. 

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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.

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Politics and international relations

We're exploring pressing issues in politics and international relations and working with organisations, governments and individuals to find solutions.

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Sociology

We're studying the patterns of relationships, social interaction, cultures and communities, and how people live their lives. Explore our sociology research.

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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.

Ethnic women
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Our members

Director of CEISR

Simon Alexander Stewart Portrait

Dr Simon Stewart

Reader in Sociology

Simon.Stewart@port.ac.uk

School of Education and Sociology

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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CEISR Executive

Wolfram Kaiser Portrait

Media ready expert

Professor Wolfram Kaiser

Professor of European Studies

Wolfram.Kaiser@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Melita Elizabeth Lazell Portrait

Media ready expert

Dr Melita Lazell

Associate Head (Research)

melita.lazell@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Nian-Tzu Cockel Portrait

Dr Isabelle Cockel

Senior Lecturer

isabelle.cheng@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Brigitte Leucht Portrait

Dr Brigitte Leucht

Reader in International History and Politics

Faculty Ethics Committee Chair

Brigitte.Leucht@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Charlotte Ann Morris Portrait

Dr Charlotte Morris

Senior Lecturer

Charlotte.Morris@port.ac.uk

School of Education and Sociology

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Jane Creaton Portrait

Professor Jane Creaton

Professor of Higher Education

Jane.Creaton@port.ac.uk

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Barry Edward Smart Portrait

Professor Barry Smart

Professor of Sociology

Barry.Smart@port.ac.uk

School of Education and Sociology

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Dr Maria Cannon

Senior Lecturer

maria.cannon@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Robert Terence James Portrait

Dr Robert James

Senior Lecturer

Robert.James@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Laura Hyman Portrait

Ms Laura Hyman

Senior Lecturer

Laura.Hyman@port.ac.uk

School of Education and Sociology

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Patricia Daisy Shamai Portrait

Dr Patricia Shamai

Associate Head (Students)

Patricia.Shamai@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Dr Nora Siklodi

Senior Lecturer

nora.siklodi@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Lana Clara Chikhungu Portrait

Dr Lana Chikhungu

Senior Lecturer

UoA Coordinator (Area Studies)

Lana.Chikhungu@port.ac.uk

School of Area Studies, History, Politics, and Literature

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

PhD Supervisor

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Events Coordinators

Media Coordinator

Mark Anthony Kaye

mark.kaye@port.ac.uk

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.

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