Tell us about yourself: who are you, where do you come from, and what should people know about you?

I am Thomas, I am British-Irish, and come from Bedfordshire in the south of England. What people should know about me? I am married, and we have one step-daughter, called Ema, who is a wonderful artist, and an almost one-year old son, Markus, who is a wonderful eater and sleeper! I love literature, philosophy, and Dutch golden age painting. My taste in all of these is Baroque.

You have studied at Central European University and Oxford University; how was your experience there?

These are both special places and very dear to me. Studying History in Oxford and IR in CEU has exposed me to a variety of perspectives which continue to inform my research and teaching. During my time in Hungary the so-called ‘lex CEU’ law was passed. This effectively expelled the Central European University from the country as part of a broader campaign by the Fidez government to stifle academic freedom and sites of political dissent. Such a monumental event reminded me that we cannot take the values and freedoms we cherish for granted: not even in the European Union. I am happy to say however that CEU continues to flourish, now in Vienna, and that the CEU community still remembers that major of Vilnius offered us a home in this very city!

How did you choose to join IIRPS VU as a Researcher? Why did you decide to choose Lithuania?

The quality of teaching and research at IIRPS is immediately obvious and this was very attractive to me. When I came to Lithuania with my family it was -28 degrees, so cold that the flakes of snow were freezing in the air and gleaming like little diamonds falling from the sky: it is an extremely beautiful sight that I had never seen before! Vilnius, and Lithuania in general, is a really very comfortable place, and I have never looked back.

You were a Research Associate at Cambridge University, and now you are a Researcher at the Institute; what are the main differences you have noticed between these institutions?

The Institute is an exciting place to be. I am especially happy to be here at the launch of the brand-new BA programme in the ‘Politics of Global Challenges’. Teaching a cohort of students who are so engaged, driven, and optimistic, especially during such difficult and uncertain times, is a real honour. Of course, the Institute is a smaller and much younger place, but this opens many opportunities as the Institute continues to grow.

How do you like Lithuania? What’s your favorite place in Vilnius?

I love Lithuania. The beauty of the deep winter here is something to behold. In the city of Vilnius, there are so many favourite places – besides Vokiečių gatvė, of course! But a place I really do enjoy spending time is Paupys.

What does your free time look like?

Free time! This is something I used to have before my child was born, which I will look forward to experiencing again sometime in the future. But seriously, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new parts of Lithuania, and especially the rich Lithuanian cultural legacy which is not very well known in the rest of Europe. I consider Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis to be one of the seminal European figures. His gallery in Kaunas must be experienced.

What would you like to wish the IIRPS VU community?

I would wish that we can all continue down this exciting journey that we are on. There are many new and exciting things happening all the time, our community is a friendly, open, and welcoming place, so long may it continue!