I had high expectations of CAS SEE as an incoming Fellow, but I never imagined the ongoing extent of support, community, and vibrant intellectual culture the Center has provided to me and my peers during this difficult year. The CAS SEE and its postdoctoral program are a crucial infrastructure for developing a progressive and thriving research culture in Southeastern Europe, and I hope it will continue to grow in the coming years.

I took part in weekly guest seminars hosted by the other CAS Fellows. These seminars were beneficial in keeping me up to date on the state of the art in area studies, particularly with research on Rijeka/Fiume. I was able to invite four guests to take part in three guest seminars. This was my first time organizing talks and I felt that this experience was a valuable one for me at this stage in my career.

Interdisciplinarity has always been at the core of the research activities of the Center for Advanced Studies in Rijeka. The intensive workshop held in the Moise palace, on the island of Cres, was a testing ground for such an approach. Vibrant debates, diverse sections, food for thought characterized that week as an intriguing time of intellectual exchange.

The ambiance of this island [Cres] in November gave us enough free (mental) space to enjoy while working and thinking through about some ideas while reading or contemplating by the see. This place, both the island and the Moise Palace are almost destined for giving birth to big ideas and significant talks and agreements.