ICR Partnership Awarded Grant Sponsoring Student and Faculty Travel

Seton Hall University’s Institute for Communication and Religion has formalized a grant funded partnership with Palacký University (PU) Olomouc, Czech Republic. 

ICR Director Jon Radwan, Ph.D., recently announced that the project has received full funding through the European Union’s Erasmus+ program. “ Jaroslav Franc is our excellent colleague at Palacký University and the ‘principal investigator’ leading this project,” Radwan said. “For several years we have been building a network with Palacký University as the hub and five North American universities as the spokes.”

In addition to Seton Hall, partner institutions include the University of Nebraska at Kearney, New York University, the University of Ottawa and the University of Toronto.

“The European Union will support student and faculty travel between Seton Hall and Palacký University for the next two years,” Radwan added. “This project recognizes Seton Hall and the Institute for Communication and Religion as international leaders in higher education.”

The EU’s Erasmus + Grant Program, established in 1987, promotes cooperation among universities and higher education institutions worldwide. Initially focused on Europe, the program has expanded globally and emphasizes social inclusion, sustainability, digital innovation and civic engagement. Through Erasmus+, students and educators gain access to international learning opportunities across higher education, vocational education, adult education and athletics.

Seton Hall University plans to collaborate with students and faculty at Palacký University in the Czech Republic.

“As a key US partner in a successful European Union Erasmus+ Mobility grant proposal, Seton Hall has been awarded funding for student and staff exchanges with partner institution Palacký University,” said Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., associate professor of Marketing, assistant provost, and dean of Continuing Education. “The agreement, which was led by Jon Radwan of the CHDCM’s Institute for Communication and Religion, covers funding for mobility opportunities abroad through the end of Academic Year 2028,” she explained.

Last month, the ICR steering committee approved preliminary plans for James Kimble, Ph.D., to travel to the Czech Republic to develop and share research on propaganda, religion and war. 

Jaroslav Franc, Th.D., head of the Communication Department at Palacký University Olomuoc in the Czech Republic, emphasized the partnership’s long-term academic value. “The Erasmus+ grant creates a bridge between Seton Hall University and Palacký University. It’s about connecting our universities, schools, departments and of course, students and professors” said Franc. 

“Working together on topics such as digital religion or media ethics gives our institutions a chance to strengthen their academic international expertise,” added Franc, “I hope that the partnership will build long-term relationships.”

About the Institute for Communication and Religion 
The Institute for Communication and Religion (ICR) is an affiliated unit within Seton Hall University’s College of Human Development, Culture and Media. Religious traditions are primary drivers for social action across humanity’s full moral range, from care through violence. Launched with THRUST funding in Fall 2017, the ICR is an interdisciplinary nexus for communication and media scholarship addressing the critical intersection between religion and society. Guided by Nostra Aetate’s spirit of ecumenical and interreligious cooperation, the Institute seeks to engage in public dialogue and debate, promote academic inquiry and support religious dimensions of creativity. Our values are Seton Hall’s values: servant leadership, curricular innovation and intellectual excellence. 

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Categories: Education, Research