European Union Center of Excellence
The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech is one of eleven universities in the country selected to host a European Union Center of Excellence (EUCE) for the 2008-2011 period. The EUCE's core mission is to promote knowledge and understanding of the European Union and the significance of the transatlantic relationship, including the strong economic and cultural ties between Europe, the state of Georgia, and the southeast. It will build on these ties and foster new relationships through a range of activities including interdisciplinary research and curricular developments; high profile speaker series; conferences; the creation of research and learning networks; and numerous public forums bridging the diverse communities of academia, business, government, media, and other civic and professional organizations. It will also coordinate teacher workshops and programs at area public schools, promote interaction throughout the University System of Georgia among faculty and students interested in EU and transatlantic studies, and continue The Nunn School's flagship summer abroad program in Brussels.
The newly established EUCE will launch on September 1, 2008. Building on the natural strengths of Georgia Tech and its commitment to interdisciplinary programs, the EUCE's educational, outreach, and research activities will revolve around the theme of "Technological Transformations and Global Challenges in the 21st Century: EU and Transatlantic Strategies for Innovation and Sustainability."
"The Center will facilitate dialogue and collaboration among academics, policymakers, and citizens and serve as a catalyst for generating interest in European affairs and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between Europe and the United States."
Dr. Vicki Birchfield, EUCE Director & Associate Professor of International Affairs