The hardening and softening of borders: challenges for europe and the world
LIMES is a doctoral programme for 13 talented PhD candidates in the domain of the humanities and social sciences, centred
on the theme of ‘The Hardening and Softening of Borders: Europe in a Globalising World’. The dynamics of ‘softening’ and
‘hardening’ borders have become key issues in social and political transformations. Conducting research within this
framework means working on the frontline of societal and scientific innovation, and is therefore particularly attractive for a
new generation of interdisciplinary researchers. Moreover, Maastricht – located in the heart of the transnational Meuse-
Rhine Euroregion – offers excellent opportunities to function as springboard for the mobility of ESRs. The programme
ensures that its graduates are well-equipped for the job market, within and outside academia. A rich training programme and
tailor-made secondments at one of the external partners are geared towards extending the employability of LIMES
graduates far beyond traditional options.