About CEAC

Centre for EU-Asia Connectivity (CEAC), Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Centre supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the EU

The Centre for EU-Asia Connectivity (CEAC) generates critical academic analysis in order to enhance a differentiated and strategic understanding of EU-Asia affairs and the factors that strengthen and inhibit connectivity within and between the two regions. The Centre contributes to research and teaching in the areas of EU studies and EU-Asia relations in a globalised and yet increasingly fragmented world economy. It approaches the understanding of EU-Asia affairs and the role of connectivity from an interdisciplinary perspective.

CEAC stimulates academic debates on conceptualising and analysing connectivity-related challenges and opportunities for the EU’s role in a rapidly changing global environment. At the same time, the Centre facilitates cooperation between relevant stakeholders at the local, regional, and global levels, and functions as a communication platform with public outreach.

General Objectives

Pooling expertise from a multicultural, cross-generational, and interdisciplinary network of experts
Developing synergies between various disciplines and resources with regard to EU studies, EU-Asia relations, and connectivity
Establishing joint research activities and partnerships with academic institutions, the private sector, public administration, and civil society in Europe, Asia, and beyond
Enhancing awareness and visibility of EU studies and connectivity-related affairs

Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, Competitive and Prestigious Award

In February 2022, the Department of International Political Economy of East-Asia, Faculty of East Asian Studies, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, received a grant to establish a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. The highly competitive and prestigious award is funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ programme, which promotes the study and understanding of the European Union, both in its internal and external dimensions. In 2022, the Centre for EU-Asia Connectivity (CEAC) was the only Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence newly established in Germany.

CEAC contributes to a differentiated and more strategic understanding of EU-Asia relations, as well as of the factors that strengthen and inhibit connectivity. The Centre facilitates the development of sustainable connections within, between and beyond Europe and Asia through four pillars: research, teaching, network, and communication. CEAC generates and advances state-of-the-art knowledge by addressing opportunities and main challenges faced by the EU and its citizens in a rapidly changing international environment.

CEAC’s Pillars

Research

CEAC promotes joint-research activities within our network, pooling expertise from Europe, Asia, and beyond. The Centre’s interdisciplinary and multicultural work environment brings together different research approaches from various European and Asian backgrounds. It also provides a cross-generational platform for junior and senior researchers alike.

Teaching

CEAC promotes teaching on EU-Asia affairs for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students, i.e. at the B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. level. The curricular introduces EU studies at the Faculty of East Asian Studies at Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Network

CEAC builds and enhances partnerships and networks by leveraging collaborations with academia, as well as public and private organisations. The disciplinary, institutional, and international diversity of CEAC and its network complements the Centre’s actions, such as research activities, student exchange, and internship programmes.

Communication

CEAC functions as a communication platform for information sharing and dialogue, including both on-line and off-line interactions. It engages with students, researchers, policymakers, and the civil society through various communication channels: social media, newsletter, and academic publications.

Achievements

Researchers

Nationalities

Languages

Research Projects

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Milestones in our history

2016

First Jean Monnet Chair awarded to Prof. Dr.
Sebastian Bersick. Project: "The International
Political Economy of EU-Asia Relations"
(IPEEAR) (2016-2019)

2019

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Bersick and Ms Mireia Paulo M.A. became part of the research team of the Jean-Monnet Network on Strategies for Promoting Europe-Asia Connectivity (SPEAC) (2019-2022)

2020

Second Jean Monnet Chair awarded to Prof.
Dr. Sebastian Bersick. Expansion of the team:
included Ms Mireia Paulo as lecturer. Project:
"Connecting Europe and Asia: People, Power
and Policies" (CEAPPP) (2020-2023)

2022

Launch of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence Centre for EU-Aisa Connectivity (CEAC)

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.