From the second half of the twentieth century, forgiveness has come to occupy an important place in political transition processes, both in the passage from dictatorship to democracy and at the end of violent internal political conflicts. The implications of forgiveness are not limited to moral or religious issues, but also involve social, political and legal aspects that further complicate the widely disparate interpretations of its conditions (acknowledgement of fault, repentance, etc.) and purposes (reconciliation, social cohesion, justice, etc.). FORGIVEBASQ aims to study the uses of forgiveness in the Basque conflict and its role in the current peace process. Firstly, I will develop a theoretical framework on forgiveness by adopting a philosophical approach that incorporates a transversal moral, political and social perspective and helps to illustrate its complex transformations and diverse practices. This transdisciplinary theoretical framework will be articulated around three axes: history, areas and conditions/purposes of forgiveness. Secondly, a diachronic study of forgiveness in the Basque context will be carried out by means of a documentary analysis. This will serve to identify and explain how forgiveness has been present in the Basque conflict, what role it plays in the peace process, how it has evolved and been transformed, and the key points at which forgiveness emerged in the political and social debate. Previously developed analytical tools will be employed in this endeavor. Training activities and academic dissemination measures will be complemented by transfer activities that include meetings and public activities with Basque institutions and social organizations. This will go hand-in-hand with the development of educational resources that will use the project findings to achieve a significant social impact.

The problem of sexual violence in universities and institutions is getting international attention. In this watershed moment, European Student Networks of Support (SNS) are progressively acting to prevent and face this problem. This project aims (1) to study in which ways do social movements struggle to eradicate sexual violence to contribute to the creation of networks of support in higher education; inquiring on social actors engaged, resistances faced and overall, how are contexts of zero tolerance in which victims feel empowered to speak up shaped. Power structures and complicities are often limiting student movements from effective organizing in preventing harassment. Drawing from this, the project pretends (2) to uncover effective strategies and mechanisms of SNS and the movement against sexual violence in universities, focusing on how it successfully performs and got to be so widely recognized. The emergence of these social movements count on the support of active bystanders, including scholars who develop research and action for and with the public, committed with improving the existing civil society worldwide. In this line, (3) the role of public sociology in promoting SNS is also explored. Their empowerment is influencing not only academic policies against sexual violence but also political changes, legislations. Thus, impact is expected on three realms: on personal and professional success of direct and second order victims of sexual harassment in academia; on effective university policies; as well as on regulations beyond academic institutions. The gap to be filled (in Europe) focuses on the emerging and articulation of Student Networks of Support illustrating the knowledge of their development and repercussion while successfully influencing administrations, political spheres and legislations, making the EU leader not only in social science research but also in contributing to foster pioneer regulations against gender-based violence.

6i-DIRS will recruit 19 qualified ESRs for high quality doctoral training to · promote their social contributions; · generate interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral projects and dissertations; · support and broaden their career prospects. Grounded on a robust, dynamic and attractive ecosystem, 6i-DIRS fosters cooperation and co-creation among 7 PhD programmes and 19 externally evaluated excellence teams, that support them with research and training around · 5 interdisciplinary platforms on EU and global challenges: Ageing and Wellbeing; Cultural and Creative Industries, Cities and Regions; Gender; Social Justice and Inclusion; and Strengthening Participation; · 4 interdisciplinary areas aligned with the Basque Smart Specialisation Strategy on Health; Sustainable Development and Innovation in Energy, Industry 4.0 and Mobility. DEUSTO has prime conditions for frequent dialogue between economic, cultural and social actors. 46 established partners and 15 co-financing entities back 6i-DIRS, ensuring international and intersectoral mobility to broaden ESRs’ employability. Recruitment will be open, merit-based, impartial, equitable and international. It will avoid any form of discrimination, with international recommendations for transparent and ethical assessment at the core and in line with the European Charter and Code of Conduct and benefiting from H2020 Gearing-Roles project on institutional change. Successful candidates will sign an employment contract, and will have shared supervision and mentoring as detailed in the Doctoral Agreement and their individual training plan. Full internationalisation is essential in 6i-DIRS, COFUND will - consolidate the rate of international ESRs (34% of PhDs in 2017/18); - help with capacity building with Eastern institutions, sharing strengths and lessons learned; and - consolidate DEUSTO’s internal procedures to attract international talent and grow in scientific excellence, innovation, social engagement and impact.