Torsello, Davide - Pappová, Melinda: Social Networks in Movement. Time, interaction and interethnic spaces in Central Eastern Europe - Nostra Tempora 8. (Somorja-Dunaszerdahely, 2003)

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278 Štefan Šutaj

nal structure of the Institute. The sociology department ceased to exist as a consequence of problems internal to this discipline: for instance, age and qualification structures, experience and scientific erudition, and results in publication activity. The tasks of this department were partly assumed by the department of social psychology. Nevertheless, the Institute has succeeded, particularly in the recent period, in continuing the tradition of using sociological approaches in the latest research on ethnic questions.

Presently at the Institute there are suitable conditions for the development of two scientific disciplines: historiography and social psychology. Most of the researchers are trained at the Institute or at other departments of these disciplines at the Prešov University (Slovakia).

The shaping of our research interests depends on the actuality and the utility of eventual results in scientific research from the viewpoint of scientific disciplines and of social sciences, as well as on the requirements of social practice. Our present themes are: problems of social change after 1989, problems of personal and group (i.e., political, religious, ethnical) realisation, conflict resolution and population movements (migration and emigration in both past and present). These themes are timely both from a scientific research viewpoint and in light of current events in Europe. Moreover, they are also timely from a pragmatic-commercial perspective. Because the state today is unable to provide the Institute with sufficient financial means to ensure research activities, researchers must apply for external funds. Research on ethnic processes and relations and on problems of ethnic minorities, the areas in which the Institute makes efforts to build its reputation at home and abroad, is considered especially important. These fields have attracted, and continue to attract, interest in Europe, especially with regard to Slovakia.

Research on Central Europe more generally, and on Slovakia more specifically, enables us to continue developing further international cooperation, as well as to prepare international research projects. In addition to our established