Symposium "Potentials and Challenges for Europe"

After the welcome speeches on the first day, we heard an interesting keynote speech by the sociologist Manuela Boatcă from the University of Freiburg with the title “Multiple crises - lessons learnt for Europe's future?” In the afternoon, some of the projects were presented, followed by a "science speed dating", which proved to be an excellent opportunity to meet the other project members and to foster networking.

In the morning of the second day, our team members Ewa Palenga-Möllenbeck, Ionut Földes and Jolana Miličičová presented our project “Researching the transnational organisation of senior care, work and mobility” in Central and Eastern Europe (CareOrg) and answered questions from the audience.

During an extended coffee break, two of our team members, Maroš Matiaško and Roxana Fiebig-Spindler, presented their research projects with the help of a scientific poster.

After the presentations of some of the other projects, we heard another inspiring keynote by Elżbieta Korolczuk, a sociologist from the University of Stockholm and the University of Warsaw, on “Knowledge production as public science or battlefield? Lessons from the 'gender wars'”. In the afternoon we enjoyed a city tour through the centre of Hannover and a nice dinner in the evening.

In the morning of the last day, the latest projects from the Intergenerational Futures in Europe call presented their research ideas, followed by a round table discussion and closing remarks. In the afternoon the CareOrg team had the opportunity to meet and discuss further plans.

We had a wonderful time during this very well organized and inspiring symposium in the beautiful Herrenhausen Palace! We would like to thank the Volkswagen Foundation, the organisers of the symposium and the dedicated staff of the Herrenhausen Palace for this opportunity!