Russia in Focus: Policy research intensive

NEST Centre is launching Russia in Focus: Policy Research Intensive, a four-day educational programme in Berlin designed for young analysts, researchers, and policy practitioners working on Russia-related issues. We aim to bring together a new generation of professionals, providing them with analytical tools, expert insights, and a professional network for long-term engagement with Russia-related policy debates.

Participants will map Russian elites and society, test competing interpretations of current developments, challenge common assumptions, learn how to work with data on Russia, and explore possible future scenarios. The programme combines expert input with moderated debates, practical exercises, film discussion, and informal conversations – creating a space where young professionals can sharpen their judgement and ask uncomfortable questions.

Lecturers include Sergey Aleksashenko, Nikolay Petrov, Arnold Khachaturov, John Lough, and other leading experts on Russian politics, international relations, and European security. The cultural programme includes a screening of the Oscar-winning film Mr Nobody Against Putin, followed by a Q&A with Pavel Talankin, one of the film’s creators. The Intensive will be moderated by Sven Gerst.

Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the organisers.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. The final deadline is 5 June.