International

CEN­TRAL Lead­er­ship Pro­gram

A group of girls sitting together and laughing. In the background, you can see a few people, streetlights, trees, and a building.
Photo: Claire Lewis

With the CENTRAL Leadership Program, we are strengthening the leadership skills of young researchers to prepare them for challenging positions, particularly in politics and diplomacy. The core element is a three-week tour of the five CENTRAL locations.

The program gives the participants in-depth insights into the domestic and foreign policy of Central Europe. It is developed in cooperation with the foreign ministries and selected local NGOs and offers not only courses to strengthen leadership skills, but also theoretical and practical insights into the political dynamics in Central Europe.

Five committed master’s students and doctoral candidates can participate per university. Travel, accommodation and the program’s content are offered free of charge. The program is run as a pilot stage in three year groups (2024-2026).

Applications can be submitted (including a cover letter and your CV) by the end of March. Selected candidates will subsequently be given the opportunity for a personal interview.

Join us on a journey that not only strengthens your leadership skills but also deepens your connection to Central Europe! Apply for this chance, and help us to shape the Leadership Program for a strong and responsible Central Europe.

    • 09.09.2025

      16:00 — 18:00 ​

      Main building, Senate Hall

      En­dan­gered Pro­ject Eu­rope: On Wish­ful Think­ing and Eco­nom­ic Pol­i­cy Am­bi­tion

      The CENTRAL Leadership Program brings together students and representatives from academia, politics and civil society each year. Together, they discuss the challenges facing Europe – including at the programme’s closing event. You are warmly invited to attend!

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    • 29.11.2025

      15:00 — 19:00 ​

      SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA

      Cooperations

      Dis­cus­sion and screen­ing: Re­silience in Times of De­mo­c­ra­t­ic Back­slid­ing in Cen­tral Eu­rope

      How can science, politics, the arts and civil society work to protect democracy in Central Europe from targeted attacks? HU's Central Leadership Program and SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA invite you to a discussion and film screening.

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