The Early-Stage Researchers – IFI (ESR@IFI) network provides a platform for networking, exchange, and collaboration among pre- and postdoctoral as well as visiting researchers at the Institute of Iranian Studies.
Conceived as an informal and peer-to-peer initiative, it offers a dedicated space for Early-Stage Researchers and supports the development of independent and well-positioned research profiles as well as the exchange of ideas across disciplines. Acting as an incubator for ideas and projects, ESR@IFI fosters new research trajectories and strengthens collaborations within Vienna’s academic community and beyond. It provides a forum to reflect on research design, project development, and dissemination strategies, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness and visibility of short- and medium-term research projects and outputs at both local and international levels, as well as among the wider public.
The network additionally aims at building an inclusive and dynamic research environment and serves as a point of reference for newcomers, facilitating their integration within the Institute and familiarising them with the regulations of the ÖAW and other Viennese institutions. It also coordinates selected initiatives in collaboration with Early-Stage Researchers affiliated with other institutions, thereby further encouraging exchange and collaboration beyond the Institute.
ESR@IFI is coordinated by Jacopo Bruno and Viola Allegranzi .
ESR@IFI organises regular meetings and informal discussion sessions (ESR@IFI Happy Hour), aimed at fostering exchange among Early-Stage Researchers. These activities include presentations of ongoing research, feedback sessions on upcoming publications and grant applications, and thematic discussions addressing shared methodological and theoretical challenges as well as more practical issues relating to the day-to-day life of a researcher.
Particular attention is given to sharing practical skills and tools—especially digital tools and strategies for research dissemination—through dedicated skill-building sessions, encouraging critical reflection on good research practice and methodologies. Within this framework, the network also provides a structured peer-support environment dedicated to the development of competitive research projects and funding applications, focusing on refining research questions, strengthening conceptual frameworks, and improving proposal writing strategies. In addition, ESR@IFI promotes collaborative initiatives and supports the development of joint projects, encouraging dialogue across disciplines and research traditions. Alongside its regular activities, ESR@IFI organises ad hoc workshops (ESR@IFI Workshops) focused on specific research themes and collaborative opportunities, featuring invited external speakers.
In addition to its core activities, ESR@IFI supports initiatives independently developed by its members under the network’s umbrella. These spin-off activities extend the network’s role as an incubator for ideas and a versatile space for collaboration and skill development among Early-Stage Researchers. Participation in these initiatives is open to Early-Stage Researchers both within IFI and at other institutions.
Samovar: Russian Language and Research Discussion Group
An informal discussion group designed to foster spoken Russian skills in a relaxed and collegial setting. Centred around tea, sweets, and shared conversation, the initiative combines language practice with discussions of ongoing research, fieldwork experiences, and scholarly themes related to the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Contact: Ilona Chmilevskaia, Ulfatbek Abdurasulov, Shamil Shikhaliev
Digital Tools and Methods Group
A peer-led initiative focused on introducing and discussing digital tools, systems and concepts relevant to humanities research and dissemination. The group explores practical applications of digital methods to support research workflows, enhance analytical approaches, and increase the visibility and dissemination of research outputs. This includes assisting with social media and research profiles, helping with database, image editing and GIS approaches, engaging with public resources like Wikipedia and Wikidata among other digital systems.
Contact: James Baillie
Publication and Manuscript Development Group
A collaborative forum supporting Early-Stage Researchers through the various stages of academic publishing. The group provides peer feedback and shared expertise on manuscript preparation, proposal writing, submission strategies, editorial processes, and communication with publishers, with a particular focus on monographs and long-form publications.
Contact: Polina Ivanova
