Program for Young Researchers "A Person in History: (Post-)Soviet Experience"

The focus of Memorial has always been on the person. It is through the stories of specific, often unknown, people that Memorial’s unique perspective on 20th-century history is revealed. The research competition that Memorial has been holding for high school students for the past 20 years is dedicated to such stories and destinies. This is not just a tradition for us — it is our philosophy. It combines the historian’s rigorous study of sources and facts with deep, human empathy.

For many years, Memorial worked with Russian schools, receiving thousands of research papers from across the country annually. However, since February 2022, this opportunity has ceased to exist. In 2023, though, we relaunched the program. Now, "A Person in History" is not just a competition but an educational program for participants aged 16-19 from around the world who are interested in Soviet and post-Soviet history or in the history of their families, as well as in working with oral testimonies, archival documents, and creative expression. The working languages of the program are Russian and English.

For two months, from late February to late April, we offer a thoughtful and safe immersion into research practices, meeting online on Sundays for workshops and seminars. Each participant receives individual guidance from curators, support from their group, and help from professional historians. At the end of the program, participants can enter a research project competition, with the finalists being invited to an unforgettable summer school in one of the European countries. There, under the guidance of artists and creative producers, they will transform history into art — through performances, animated films, podcasts, video art, and more.

Our participants have already created many multimedia and artistic projects throughout the program including interactive historical maps, video interviews, longreads, podcasts, documentary shadow theater performances, video projects, and animated films.

Participation in the program "A Person in History: (Post-)Soviet Experience" is free, and admission is competitive. The next application period opens on January 15, 2025. If you would like to stay updated, leave your email or other contact information via this link, and we will send you details about the upcoming program. Also, follow the announcements on this page or Memorial's social media.

The project is implemented by the nonprofit organization Zukunft Memorial e.V. with the support of German foundations.
Academic Director of the program — Irina Shcherbakova
Project Coordinator — Natasha Konradova
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the program, feel free to contact us at: [email protected]