Testimonials
A Ph.D. programme at the European University Institute can become a deep intellectual and human experience. The diversity of native languages, cultural backgrounds, and past personal experiences makes the EUI a true sociological laboratory. Apart from strong academic training and opportunities, the EUI can certainly provide an inspiring and unique human setting that I will never forget.
Sergi Pardos-Prado (Ph.D. 2010), Postdoctoral Prize Research Fellow, Nuffield College, University of Oxford
After visiting various academic institutions in Europe and North America, I have fully come to grasp the remarkable nature of the European University Institute. It's unique international environment does not only provide one with the opportunity to get to know scholars from all over the world, subconsciously you also learn about academic and cultural differences through colleagues that practically come from all over the world. When at the EUI it is hard not to get hit by the research-vibe. There is always an interesting talk or workshop to attend. Moreover, the culture of constructive discussion makes that the EUI is a place where you can discover your best inner researcher. All of these features are topped by an excellent library, helpful and friendly staff, beautiful surroundings, and the opportunity to live in Italy the country of outstanding coffee, food, wine, and - for large parts of the year - beautiful weather. I would not hesitate at all if I had to make the choice to pursue my PhD at the EUI once more.
Kaat Smets (Ph.D. 2010), Post-Doctoral ResearcherUniversity of Siena
Coming to the EUI was one of the best decisions of my life and I am grateful for having had this chance to join the Department of Political and Social Science as a PhD researcher. I was amazed by the beauty of Tuscany and I never stopped appreciating it. But most importantly, I had an absolutely unique opportunity to receive training and intellectual stimulus from great academics. The scholarly exchange between researchers and professors from different policy fields builds an interdisciplinary approach to research. Thanks to that I managed not to close within one policy area, but I learned how to discuss many different aspects of studying social phenomena. The mode of academic exchange and the level of excellence have become blueprints for my further academic work. Since I left Florence and moved on with my career, I have always been asking myself this question: how would you do it if you were at the EUI?
Dorota Szelewa (Ph.D. 2009), Postdoctoral Fellow at Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences. She is also a co-founder of International Centre for Research and Analysis in Warsaw, Poland
The years of my Ph.D. at the EUI are simply unforgettable. The Department of Political and Social Sciences provides a unique environment on both intellectual and personal grounds. In fact, we not only have the opportunity to be in touch with leading professors in our field, but also the administrative staff and doctoral candidates are interesting people from which we can draw a very rich experience.
Igor Abdalla Medina de Souza (Ph.D 2010), Diplomat, Ministry of External Relations of Brazil
The EUI is a truly exciting place: intellectually stimulating, culturally diverse and interdisciplinary. I can think of no better place to do a Ph.D in terms of supervision, support and academic life. As I have experienced recently, having a Ph.D from the EUI is also helpful for succeeding on the academic job market. The Institute is known to be one of the leading academic social science institutions in Europe.
Christian Thauer (Ph.D 2010), Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter (Assistant Professor) at the Freie Universität Berlin, Center for Transnational Relations, Foreign and Security Policy
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the EUI and can't think of a better place to write a Ph.D thesis. Being part of the largest doctoral programme in Europe means that you can interact with and count on the support of many other fellow researchers, some of whom will become your lifetime friends. The institution affords the opportunity to come into contact with world class academics, whether they be permanent faculty, visiting scholars or simply passing through for the many lectures, workshops and conferences that regularly take place. The intellectual stimulation of the EUI and its beautiful setting coupled with the cultural opportunities of living in Florence make for a truly unforgettable. experience.
Timothy Peace (Ph.D 2010), Research Fellow at the University of Quebec in Montreal
The EUI experience certainly counts as one of the best in my life. The challenging intellectual atmosphere, its multicultural and interdisciplinary character, and above all the quality, both human and professional, of the staff and researchers, have left a lasting impression on my academic career.
Eva Anduiza (Ph.D. 1997)
Associate Professor of Political Science at the Autonomous University of Barcelona
The EUI doctoral programme exceeded my expectations. I was prepared for just a comfortable place to write my Ph.D. in the middle of lovely Tuscan landscapes. With the passing of time, however, I discovered EUI as a unique place where the art of studying and the way of living merge into a great life experience one can profit from through the entire professional career.
Olaf Osica (Ph.D. 2007)
Research Fellow, Natolin European Centre, Warsaw and Lecturer, International Relations Department, Collegium Civitas, Warsaw
Whenever I go to a major international conference in my field it seems that about half of the people in the room have been at the EUI either as researchers, fellows or faculty. What more can you say to show that the EUI is simply one of the leading institutions in its field.
Thomas Poguntke (Ph.D. 1989), Professor of Political Science at the Ruhr-University Bochum. He has previously held chairs at the universities of Keele and Birmingham. He specializes on political parties and comparative politics
Doing my Ph.D. in the Department of Political and Social Sciences at the EUI was rewarding in every possible. I enjoyed the fact I could work with leading scholars in the field, do fieldwork for my doctoral studies, and attend courses that provided an excellent basis for my Ph.D. thesis and indeed the rest of my career. The EUI offers not just an excellent doctoral programme but also a terrific place to be a postdoctoral fellow or visiting fellow as I experienced during the times I returned after I graduated. Having the opportunity to mingle with students from all over Europe and with scholars from all over the world has been tremendously important to me. As such it offers a scholarly place for the best and the brightest and hence creates a terrific network of students and scholars that extends well beyond one’s time at the EUI. I could think of no better place to do a doctorate, or spend some time as a postdoctoral fellow or visiting professor.
Amy Verdun (Ph.D. 1995), Professor of Political Science, Graduate Advisor in the Department of Political Science, Jean Monnet Chair and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at the University of Victoria. Before taking up this position on the Westcoast of Canada she held positions at the University of Leiden and the University of Essex. Her work covers various aspects of European integration