Nora Leach, the researcher from Economic and Social Research Council and University of Nottingham (UK), has the fellowship at Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy Institute of Regional Development. She is visiting Šiauliai city from May 8 to July 20.

– Briefly introduce yourself (career/characteristics).

– I am a doctoral researcher, based at the School of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham, UK. Moreover, I was fortunate enough to become part of the cohort of researchers of the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is the biggest research body in the country. The project I am currently working on investigates the transformation of political and bureaucratic elites in post-communist Europe after the collapse of the old regime, as influenced by the process of Europeanisation.

– Why did you choose Šiaulius for your visiting fellowship?

– I was given the opportunity by my funding organisation – the ESRC – to choose a foreign institution where I would like to spend more time, getting to know the local academic community and expanding my contacts. Having met Assoc. Prof. Vita Jukneviciene in 2020, just before the global COVID-19 pandemic, Lithuania was the obvious choice for me. I have already collaborated with colleagues from Vilnius university Šiauliai Academy, which determined the selection of the host institution.

– What are your first impressions  visiting Lithuania and Šiauliai for the very first time? 

– I am deeply touched by the warm welcome I received by the entire academic community in Siauliai. I was given the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region and immerse myself in the local customs, traditions and cuisine. A beautiful country with wonderful people – I could not have selected a better destination for my visiting fellowship! Having spent two weeks here, Lithuania truly feels like home.

– What are your interests/hobbies?

– Apart from my academic work within the realms of political science, I am very passionate about all aspects of social justice. As such, I was recently appointed as a Magistrate for England and Wales, which is a distinct type of judge within the British judicial system. I believe we should all strive towards a more just society, social equality and inclusivity. I feel very privileged, having been given the chance to contribute to my local community and to British society in general.