Super space for social sciences
Social sciences, from anthropology and criminology to history and economics, are important in giving insight into human nature and helping researchers raise the standard of living. The EU-funded project 'Pour un espace des sciences sociales européen' (ESSE) aimed to create a European multidisciplinary network or 'space' to further social sciences. The project analysed barriers to realising this network and conducted historical research regarding social sciences on European national levels.ESSE closely studied intercultural convergences and divergences within Europe as related to the social sciences, including specific barriers that hindered or even halted dissemination of ideas. It fostered dialogue among project participants and raised awareness of the network to promote social and human sciences. After creating a network of researchers to overcome barriers across different borders and schools of thought, the project disseminated important data on European scientific and cultural heritage. Moreover, it raised awareness on preserving social conditions that have helped build European heritage with the aim of strengthening the cultural and scientific knowledge base. In essence, the main achievement of ESSE was the identification of mechanisms that have hampered the circulation of European scientific and cultural knowledge. This sets the stage for more openness, and increased exchanges and promotion of European knowledge in a myriad of ways, promising better understanding of Europe's social and cultural mosaic.
