The researchers at the Institute of Culture and Memory Studies ZRC SAZU engage in investigations of different forms of memory practices related to the events that profoundly marked 20th century Slovenia and South-east Europe. We are focusing on multi-layered phenomenon of memory, its social role and political relevance, and its relation with collective imaginations of the future.

ICMS advocates, develops and promotes a decidedly interdisciplinary approach, which is an inevitable consequence of ICMS team members’ variegated professional backgrounds (history, anthropology, linguistics, ethnomusicology, ethnology, literary history, cultural studies).

Moreover, the institute is a key actor in driving structural changes in the Slovenian scientific sector towards gender equality and equal opportunities for all, engaged in research, training and policy recommendation in thies field. It was involved in the creation, implementation and monitoring of the gender equality plan (GEP) for ZRC SAZU.

The team of devoted researchers relies on a growing network of international partners, including colleagues from the former Yugoslavia, Austria, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the U.S.

In 2011, ICMS launched a book series, Cultural Memory [Kulturni spomin], which brings original scientific literature dealing with this vibrant field. What is more, a new series of public lectures/discussions, Interlogi, has been launched in Autumn 2011 to bring the varied topics that intrigue ICMS researchers closer to the academic community and the interested public.

ICMS was established in 2008 (as Centre for Interdisciplinary Research) and was led by dr. Oto Luthar until 2011 when dr. Tanja Petrović was appointed new Head.