Matthieu Gillabert

Matthieu Gillabert is a Full Professor at the University of Fribourg, affiliated with the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences and the Department of Contemporary History. As Director of the Interfaculty Institute of Central and Eastern Europe, he specializes in Cold War history, cultural diplomacy, and student migration studies.

• Bilingual PhD in History and Philosophy (University of Fribourg, 2006-2011)
• SNSF Fellowships in Paris, New York, and Warsaw

His research focuses on:

• Cold War cultural diplomacy and soft power
• Student internationalism and university policies
• Colonization-decolonization dynamics
• Postcolonial museum practices
• Transnational academic networks

Based on 15 recent publications (2020-2025), his work spans student movements, geopolitical heritage, and Cold War educational exchanges. He leads FNS-funded projects on Neuchâtel's colonial connections and student internationalism to Erasmus. Collaborative efforts include international exhibitions and digital humanities initiatives.

Scientific contributions include:

• 2025: Analyzed global student movements and cultural diplomacy
• 2024: Explored postcolonial museum ethics and academic internationalism
• 2023: Investigated neutrality laws and educational decolonization
• 2022: Studied francophone academic networks and Eastern European student experiences

He chairs the traverse journal committee and participates in multiple research groups including GERME and Zurich Center for Eastern European Studies. His teaching emphasizes contemporary history, Central Europe, and colonial legacies.