The Max van der Stoel Institute (MVDSI) had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Phil Murphy, Associate Professor from the Middlebury Institute for International Studies, as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program during his visit from March 11th to March 28th.
During his visit to the Max van der Stoel Institute, Dr. Murphy held several meetings with the staff to discuss common research areas, methodological approaches to research themes, and exchange experiences in establishing a research data analysis lab. As a result of this productive collaboration some common issues of further cooperation between researchers and institutions were discussed in professional settings.
The meeting with the Rector, Prof. Dr. Abdylmenaf Bexheti, marked a pivotal moment in addressing the identified issues and fostering closer collaboration between the Middlebury Institute for International Studies and the South East European University. Dr. Murphy expressed appreciation with the productive exchange and the meaningful interactions experienced throughout his time at the Institute. Dr. Murphy in his own words summarized the visit as:
“I was impressed and excited by the research initiatives that are being created in the Max van der Stoel Institute. Through the Institute, SEEU holds the potential to become a center for high-quality research in North Macedonia. With the initiatives that we discussed, the quality and quantity of the work the Institute conducts seems poised to continually increase”
In conclusion, Dr. Murphy’s visit to the Max van der Stoel Institute not only fostered productive collaborations and insightful discussions but also enabled MVDSi’s staff to acquire valuable insights and suggestions for their future work, thus enhancing the MVDSI’s capacity for impactful research endeavors. Through valuable exchanges and meaningful interactions with the international community, the Max van der Stoel Institute demonstrates its commitment to promoting collaborative research efforts and expanding its academic influence in the region and beyond.
