Starting my research on protecting academia at CEU Vienna felt like a perfect fit, especially given CEU's own recent experience of displacement. Having previously visited CEU in Budapest, the contrast between the two locations was striking. The new site in Vienna, a former bank, seemed less inviting for academic community-building and student socializing, highlighting a challenge that many at-risk academics face when they move to new environments. The physical space can often mirror the sense of displacement, requiring adaptation to settings that may not feel as welcoming or vibrant as the academic life they left behind.

This experience was a poignant reminder that at-risk academics will frequently need to make the best of situations that are far from ideal. It's not just about intellectual challenges but also about navigating and adapting to environments lacking the warmth and familiarity of their previous homes. Despite these changes, the CEU library remained an impressive repository of knowledge and a place where the history and contributions of displaced scholars were still very much alive. In this space, I found valuable resources and inspiration, emphasizing that even in less-than-ideal settings, the pursuit of knowledge continues and thrives.

Another key aspect of my time at CEU was building a network within the academic community. Despite the physical transformation, the environment at CEU still fostered a spirit of collaboration and engagement. I connected with other researchers and stakeholders involved in supporting at-risk academics. These interactions were invaluable, offering insights into current initiatives and opening opportunities for future collaborations. Our discussions often pointed to the influence of different viewpoints on knowledge production about the countries these scholars have left, illustrating the nuanced challenges in the dissemination of knowledge amid conflict. A key theme was how these scholars perceive the knowledge systems of their homelands versus those of the Western world, questioning whether their perspectives on knowledge production have shifted. To understand what changes, need to happen in academia, we must focus on the micro-politics of daily life in new settings and explore how these academics are perceived in their host countries, including the broader implications for knowledge production.

Overall, the COST Open Action-supported short-term scientific mission was an incredible opportunity to kickstart my research on at-risk academics. It provided the support and environment needed to enhance my research skills, build a strong network, and adapt my methods. This experience, set against the backdrop of CEU’s own journey, has laid a solid foundation for the next phases of my research and will contribute to a deeper understanding of how to support scholars at risk in European higher education.