The Heinrich Böll Foundation has run a scholarship programme in Russia since 1994. The programme has assisted almost 250 young scholars of history, sociology and law/human rights to pursue their research over the years. At the end of a 12-18 month scholarship term, scholarship recipients attend a week-long Summer School session, where they present their research, attend lectures and participate in discussions. A selected group of scholars takes part in a two-month long internship in Germany at the close of their period of funding.

Up to now, the programme’s primary aim has been that of supporting the research of scholarship recipients, but in the future its emphasis will shift towards the training of a new generation of activists for NGOs and/or democratic political organizations. Activities with programme alumni, such as the website and the occasional seminar and workshop that have taken place in the past will be expanded and intensified.  Alumni have already become integrated into some of the programme areas (especially at Memorial and in the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Gender Programme). The Centre for Independent Social Research supports our programme regularly by providing scientific expertise.