In recognition of its national role, the National Centre for Research on Europe has sought to engage with all areas of New Zealand, across all social groups and with the media, through the develoment of a range of activities that extend beyond the University of Canterbury. In this way the NCRE hopes to enhance the understanding of the European Union and to promote dialogue and discussion about...
The University of Canterbury offers a learning environment among the best in the world. It has libraries, lecture theatres, laboratories and field stations to support research and teaching together with Halls of Residence and affordable local accommodation close to the University. Additional social facilities on campus including cafes, food and beverage outlets are on schedule for opening to coincide with the start of the 2012 academic year.
Following aftershocks in late December all UC facilities have been fully assessed by structural engineers and all facilities required for 2012 will be ready in time.
All buildings open in the last semester of 2011 remain available in 2012 and over 10,000 sq metres of student support, teaching, tutorial and library space has been remediated and access restrictions lifted for the first semester of 2012. More than 10,000 students have now applied to enrol at the University for study in 2012 and hundreds more are continuing to apply with late enrolments open.
Christchurch is re-emerging as one of New Zealand's "most exciting cities", according to travel guide Lonely Planet. "There's still plenty to do, and you'll be supporting the new businesses inspiring Christchurch's renaissance,” said Lonely Planet author Brett Atkinson.
Community Activities
The following are some of the many activities and opportunities that the Centre offers throughout the year.
European Union Roundtable Seminar Series
Every Friday of each university term, the Centre hosts its European Union Roundtable Seminar Series. These regular weekly meetings will be held throughout the academic year on Fridays at 2:10 pm. Occasional seminars will also be held to coincide with European and academic visitors to the University (and times may vary).
The seminars allow faculty and students to present their work on Europe and facilitate cross-disciplinary linkages. A major goal of the series is to demonstrate the breadth and depth of European-related research being conducted at the University of Canterbury. All seminars will be held in the NCRE Seminar Room (Commerce Building, 4th Floor, Virtual Europe). Please contact us at ncre@canterbury.ac.nz to receive regular updates regarding upcoming seminars.
Annual Europa Lecture
Now in its fifth year, the Europa Lecture is the National Centre for Research on Europe's prestige public lecture given annually by a high profile, leading New Zealand or European politician. The lecture is a public event, however seat availability is limited by the venue size.
The 2005 lecture was presented by the Hon. Phil Goff, New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Pacific Island Affairs, and was titled "New Zealand and Europe, twelve months after enlargement". Transcipts of this and other lectures from previous year'scan be found on the NCRE's Annual Europa Lecture.
NCRE Annual Review
For those who are interested to have a more in-depth look at the Centre and it's activities throughout the year the NCRE produces an Annual Review, the 2004 version of which has just been released. A copy of this publication can either be downloaded (PDF, 728 KB), or if prefered a hard copy can be ordered by contacting us at ncre@canterbury.ac.nz.
NCRE Media Log
Staff and associates of the NCRE regularly offer media comment on issues regarding the European Union. A log of this media activity is kept which includes links to transcripts of interviews given and copies of articles written for general public access.
Visiting Academics and European Practioners
The NCRE is able to host a number of visiting academics and European practitioners (diplomats and bureaucrats, past and present) annually. The facilities provided are the use of a computer, internet access and office support, while we are also able to help with any travel arrangements that are needed. The Centre offers a range of visiting academic options.
The Centre welcomes scholars interested in a wide range of EU issues and is multidisciplinary in approach. Visitors are encouraged to undertake their own research as well as contribute to the academic life of the Centre, while the presentation of a research seminar is welcomed.
Sabbatical Visiting
Sabbatical visiting fellows can be housed for short or long-term visits of up to 12 months. Visiting academics who do not have their own sabbatical funding can seek NCRE support either as a:
- Teaching Fellow (one semester or the duration of a summer school course)
- European-in-Residence (4-6 weeks)
- Research Project Partner (variable)
Past Visiting Academic and European Practioners
Examples of past academic and European practioner visitors inlude:
- Sir Brian Crowe, ex-British diplomat in the Council Secretariat in Brussels
- Prof Reinhardt Rummel, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Germany
- Dr Martin Sajdik, Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Austria
- Dr Fraser Cameron, European policy Centre, Belgium
- Prof Allan Williams, Exeter University, UK
- Dr Mike Smith, Loughborough University, UK
- Prof Ole Elgstrom, Lund University, Sweden
- Prof Clive Elmsley, Open University, UK
Prospective visitors should download this form (PDF, 184 KB) containing information about the NCRE's Visiting Academics and European Practitioners programme for 2006, or contact the NCRE Director Prof Martin Holland for further information.
Want to know more?
Please contact us if you have questions about NCRE alumni or suggestions for future funding options.