Historical research in the making
Understanding European history and how it is perceived plays an important part in shaping the European identity today. The EU-funded project Cliohres.net was organised by 45 universities to spread greater understanding of Europe's histories and self-representations. The five-year project brought together historians, geographers, linguists, sociologists, philosophers and other experts to define differences, links, conflicts and relationships of the past and how they could shape our future. This ambitious project, which comprised a team of 180 researchers, support staff and postgraduate students hailing from 31 countries, carefully explored historical inconsistencies, challenges and research needs. As historians have advanced selective views which often propagate specific stereotypes and ideas, Cliohres.net aimed to create a new platform for historical research. This was deemed pivotal for reflecting more objective views of histories which tend to influence challenges and even conflicts carried over from political and cultural ideologies of the past. Cliohres.net has published its results and outcomes in more than 50 books which have been distributed to universities and distinguished libraries worldwide. The publications are also available to download online, free of charge, ensuring that all interested stakeholders have access to this valuable knowledge at any time. Teachers have already made extensive use of the online resources, while students and citizens have turned to the project's website for their research as well. The project's results are set to have a very positive impact on the future structure of historical research.
