The London School of Economics will establish a development programme for academics from the Balkans after receiving a £1.4 million grant. The money comes from the Open Society Institute, founded by LSE alumnus George Soros, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The programme aims to improve the research and teaching capacities of Balkan universities. It will bring 30 junior and mid-level academic staff to the LSE for successive periods of three months, over three years. The first fellows are due to be recruited by May.
Programme director Mary Kaldor said: "These 30 individuals will ultimately return home to shape the political and economic futures of their countries, during a time of profound transition and new optimism. The role of the LSE in nurturing this process will be critical."