FINNISH SOCIOLOGISTS SUPPORT EUSP

 
05.04.2017
 
Университет
 
Письма поддержки

The association of Finnish sociologists, the Westermarck Society, expresses its unanimous support for the European University at St. Petersburg (EUSP) whose activities are endangered due to alleged violations of administrative regulations.

The European University at St. Petersburg ranks among the most distinguished Russian educational and research institutes in social and political sciences. Its teachers and scholars are considered as experts of highest level in their fields of study, and their scientific activities and publications are recognized, respected and cited both in Russia and worldwide. Due to the quality of their education, EUSP graduates have contributed to the Russian society and the global academic debates from the very beginning of the University.

For the Finnish scientific community, the European University at St. Petersburg has a very special meaning. When leaving by train from Helsinki for our conferences and meetings, we arrive after only three and a half hour at the Finland railway station in St Petersburg – a name symbolically reflecting both geographical vicinity and the historical depth of Finnish-Russian collaboration.

In this collaboration EUSP has had a pivotal role. Many Finnish sociologists have been involved in intensive scientific cooperation with EUSP scholars and have also served in international administrative duties of the EUSP. We have learned to know and respect the functioning of the institution, its role in Russian society, and the quality and expertise of its teachers and students. The role of EUSP in the Finnish-Russian scientific and cultural exchanges cannot be overestimated.

Interrupting the activities of this renowned institution would seriously damage Russian science, its global reputation and Finnish-Russian scientific and cultural exchange. We appeal to Russian authorities that they would take every possible effort to ensure the continuation of the European University at St. Petersburg.

On behalf of the Westermarck Society,
Jani Erola, Chairman, Professor of Sociology

Original letter (pdf)