The third edition of the SPS Summer Academy introduced 24 master students to important issues of inequality in Europe and their impact on democracy and solidarity, which were considered important driving forces behind phenomena such as the rise of populism in Europe, Brexit, the illiberal political turns in Hungary and Poland, and the overall implications of the current war in Ukraine. Participants also enjoyed the opportunity to present their research ideas and receive feedback from both peers and EUI fellows. The SPS Summer Academy offered a full-immersion experience in the academic and social life of the EUI, making it a truly enriching initiative for all involved.
People
The academic programme was led by distinguished EUI faculty members:
- Klarita Gërxhani - Full time Professor of Sociology, Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Jeffrey T. Checkel - Full-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Simon Hix - Full-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Filip Kostelka, Full-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Ellen M. Immergut - Head of Department and Full-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Arnout van de Rijt, Director of Graduate Studies, Full-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
Keynote speaker
Prof. Jeffrey T. Checkel
Chair in International Politics, Department of Political and Social Sciences, EUI
Jeffrey T. Checkel opened the Summer Academy with a keynote lecture that drew on his vast expertise in international institutions, norms, civil conflict, and identity. He focused on how democratic institutions are contending with contemporary challenges, particularly in the face of inequality and populism, emphasizing the need for analytical tools that bridge disciplinary and methodological divides.
Testimonials
Participants of the Summer Academy 2022:
- “I am coming out of this Summer Academy feeling very motivated and inspired to improve my skills and also have met some great people. I really enjoyed how relaxed & horizontal the communication with the professors was.”
- “It was a pleasure to be part of the SPS Summer Academy, especially the chance to get in contact/to exchange with motivated students from all over Europe and all over the world.”
- “I’m very impressed with the level of academic research we got to experience and the contacts we were able to make with professors and other researchers. That was very valuable for future career choices and for the expansion of my professional network!”
- “I had a great time! Every aspect of the summer academy was great, and I met incredible people/researchers/professors.”
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