The professor Vladimir Furs Scholarship Committee, consisting of faculty members of the Academic Department of Social Sciences and Academic Department of Humanities and Arts, has evaluated the portfolios of all applicants and has decided to award the scholarship to Maria Borzenko. This decision is based on Maria’s high academic achievements, dynamic social activity, and productive involvement in research on current social issues (which is entirely consistent with the goals and nature of the Professor Vladimir Furs Scholarship).
Vladimir Furs (1963-2009) was an outstanding figure: a philosopher, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Head of the Department of Scientific Research, creator and director of the master’s program “Social Theory and Political Philosophy” at the European Humanities University, also — initiator and leader of numerous regional and international research and educational projects. He authored four monographs and over 100 publications in Belarusian, Russian, Ukrainian, English, Lithuanian, and French. Vladimir Furs made a significant contribution to the development of philosophy and social sciences in Belarus and in the region.
Therefore, the Professor Vladimir Furs Scholarship is, first and foremost, a recognition of achievements in the field of scientific and social activities.
Maria Borzenko, as she describes herself, is an intersectional feminist and an autistic individual, deeply committed to education, and unwavering in her belief in human rights and equality. Through the lens of her autism, Maria actively engaged in charitable activities, aiding marginalized communities, and volunteered for different charitable organizations in Moscow. While pursuing online her MA program at EHU, Maria conducts impressive and crucial research aligned with her academic interests — primarily autism and feminism. Maria has authored three articles published in OSUN Global Commons, exploring socially significant yet under-researched issues: the role of gender in political activism, neurofeminism, intersectionality, and autistic behavior in society. Her upcoming master’s thesis, set to be defended and published soon, delves into the representation of autistic women in iconic characters from popular movies. With a background in pedagogy and practical experience in this sphere, Maria also is interested in teaching methodologies and advocates for a reevaluation of the education system, aiming for a more humanistic and inclusive approach. Maria adheres strictly to the principle, “Any information you want to convey should be presented in the form of stand-up,” which she not only follows but also recommends to others. After completing her master’s thesis defense, Maria plans to continue her research activities and pursue a PhD.
Congratulations to Maria on her well-deserved award! Wish further achievements!
Written by Nickita Lee.
Photo: from Maria’s personal archive.