This SPS Summer Academy edition offered an opportunity for 30 master students from across Europe to take part in a series of lectures, workshops, as well as formal and informal presentations of the EUI's PhD programme and social activities. The SPS Summer Academy introduced participants to key research questions in the study of democracy and society in Europe. It provided fresh perspectives on the major challenges faced by contemporary European societies, covering topics ranging from transnational solidarity to the latest trends in political participation, as well as the role of elites' commitment to the survival of democratic regimes.
People
The academic programme was led by distinguished EUI faculty members:
- Prof. Filip Kostelka – Full-time Professor and SPS Summer Academy Convenor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Prof. Waltraud Schelkle – Full-time Professor – Joint Chair, Department of Political and Social Sciences; Full-time Professor – Joint Chair, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies
- Prof. Simon Hix – Full-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Prof. Stefano Guzzini – Full-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
- Prof. Arnout van de Rijt – Director of Graduate Studies, Full-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences
Keynote Speaker
Prof. Hanspeter Kriesi, Part-time Professor, Department of Political and Social Sciences, EUI
In the keynote lecture of the 2023 Summer Academy, renowned political sociologist Hanspeter Kriesi addressed one of the most pressing questions in contemporary European politics: Is there a crisis of democracy in Europe? Drawing on decades of comparative research, Kriesi explored the conditions under which democracies survive and thrive, even amid growing populism, institutional strain, and external pressures. His lecture offered a deep analytical perspective on the resilience of democratic systems, setting the stage for a week of critical discussions and collaborative learning.
Testimonials
Participants of the Summer Academy 2023:
- “A fantastic week that made me reflect on my potential future in this institution. We will see if it happens!”
- “I think it was a great opportunity to meet people from the international community and I particularly appreciate the fact that many of the people came from Eastern Europe. It was also a great opportunity to find out more about PhD opportunities in detail both at the EUI and in Europe in general from talking with the PhD students and postdocs.”
- “I am very satisfied with the new imput that I carry with me. I also had the opportunity to confront my views with others and maybe change them, so I consider this school as a very important point in my academic development so far.”
- “It is a fantastic working environment, immersed in a splendid location, which really helps one’s soul when trying to navigate the world of research. I was truly impressed by the positive opinions the PhDs and post-docs offered me.”
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