Early Career Workshop of the German-Ukrainian Historical Commission in Kyiv (2017)

From 26 to 28 September 2017, the German-Ukrainian Historical Commission organised an international early career workshop in Kyiv in cooperation with the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The workshop focused on the theme “War, Revolution, and Statehood in Ukraine (1914–1923).”

The event was led by Prof. Dr Tanja Penter and Prof. Dr Yaroslav Hrytsak and brought together young historians from Germany and Ukraine. Its aim was to discuss new research perspectives on the First World War, the Ukrainian Revolution, and the early formation of Ukrainian statehood.

The programme centred on presentations of ongoing research projects covering a wide range of topics, including identity formation, diplomatic relations, memory cultures, and historical politics. The contributions demonstrated diverse methodological approaches, such as cultural history, gender studies, oral history, and visual history.

An important part of the workshop consisted of excursions to key institutions and sites of memory in Kyiv, including the Museum of the Ukrainian Revolution and the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory. These activities provided participants with valuable insights into contemporary practices of historical remembrance.

Participants particularly emphasised the high level of academic exchange and the opportunity to present and refine their research in an international setting. The workshop made a significant contribution to supporting early career scholars and strengthening German-Ukrainian academic cooperation.