The School of Research is pleased to announce that Justina Smalkyte, a young doctoral student at the Centre for Historical Research at Sciences Po (CHSP), has just been awarded the Auschwitz Foundation - Jacques Rozenberg Prize for her thesis entitled: Espace, objets, corps : les matérialités des résistances antinazies en Lituanie sous occupation allemande (1941–1944).

Supervised by Claire Andrieu and Elissa Mailänder, Justina Smalkyte's thesis offers an innovative exploration of Lithuanian resistance during the German occupation, focusing on the materialities, everyday practices, and bodily and spatial forms of resistance. Defended in November 2024, this work stands out for the richness of its sources, the precision of its analysis and the originality of its approach.

The prize, awarded at an official ceremony held at Brussels City Hall, recognises a major contribution to the history of resistance and to the understanding of Nazi violence. It rewards ambitious, rigorous research that is essential for the transmission of historical memory.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Justina Smalkyte for this prestigious distinction and for the excellence of her work.

Find out more

• Justina Smalkyte's thesis: Espace, objets, corps : les matérialités des résistances antinazies en Lituanie sous occupation allemande (1941–1944).
• Article on the announcement of the Auschwitz Foundation Awards
• Doctorate in History
• The Centre for History (CHSP)