The FSV UK project received the highest national rating in the Jan Ámos Komenský Foundation Operational Programme

On 1 January 2025, the Institute of International Studies of Charles University, under the leadership of Associate Professor Michal Smetana, will start implementing the project "Foreign Interference of Foreign Powers in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical and Technological Changes" (acronym INTERFER). Within the call "Social Sciences and Humanities: Man and Humanity in Today's Global Challenges", it was ranked first in the country with 147 out of 150 possible points. The implementation of the project is funded by the Operational Programme Jan Ámos Komenský (OP JAK) until the end of 2028. 

"The evaluation of the INTERFER project has confirmed the excellence of our researchers working in close cooperation with our project and financial managers. It has shown that we cannot rely on external project support for such complex challenges, but only on our own staff, of whom we are rightly proud. Of course, a big thank you also goes to all our partners, Masaryk University, the University of Ostrava and the Institute of International Relations," said David Emler, Vice Dean for Development at FSV UK. 

With a budget of 140 million crowns, the consortium is creating a unique platform for excellent research on the issue of foreign interference in the context of contemporary geopolitical and technological changes. The main objectives of the project include the implementation of four original research projects focusing on the impact of foreign interference practices on public opinion, the domestic and foreign policy adaptation of states to this threat, and the current technological transformation of foreign powers' foreign interference tools.

The four research projects will be led by Associate Professor Jakub Eberle from the Institute of International Studies at Charles University, Associate Professor Monika Brusenbach-Meiselová from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Masaryk University, Professor Tomáš Weiss from the Institute of International Studies at Charles University and Dr Linda Monsees from the Institute of International Relations. Marek Vranka from the Institute of Communication Studies and Journalism at Charles University will also work on the first research project.

The Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme (OP JAK) supports lifelong learning and the development of skills needed to adapt to rapid changes such as digitalisation and climate change. The programme focuses on ensuring the long-term employability of individuals in society and reflects the priority themes funded by the European Union for the 2021-2027 programming period.

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