The Academy, titled ‘Politics, Policies and Inequalities: Micro-foundations and Institutional Dynamics’, brought together participants from a wide range of backgrounds, representing 20 countries through their nationalities and academic affiliations. Over the course of the week, they explored some of the major challenges shaping contemporary European societies, including democracy, political participation, inequalities, artificial intelligence and transnational solidarity.
For participant Olga Filippova from Estonia, the experience offered new perspectives as well as renewed motivation: “SPS Academy gave me much more than I could have expected: new connections, new ideas and, most importantly, a new perspective on my own field — full of possibilities I had not considered before. During this week, it was impossible not to catch the research spirit and start looking at my own future, being surrounded by such highly motivated and inspiring peers and professors. The workshop sessions were also very practical, giving useful advice on finding grants, preparing applications, and thinking about the next steps of an academic life. They made research feel much more real and achievable. I am leaving the Academy with many new ideas, but also with a stronger sense of motivation to turn some of them into actual projects.”
The programme combined lectures by SPS professors across sociology, political science and international relations with a guest lecture, workshops, a guided tour of the EUI premises and opportunities to meet and exchange with EUI researchers and peers. Participants also had the opportunity to present and discuss their own research work or ideas with scholars and fellow participants.
Among the highlights was a keynote lecture by SPS Assistant Professor Kevin Munger, titled ‘The Internet and Political Polarisation’. The lecture formed part of a programme that also included sessions on transnational solidarity in Europe, educational policies and inequalities, voter turnout, cumulative discrimination and Bayesian process tracing.
The Academy also gave participants an insight into opportunities for pursuing academic research at the EUI, with a presentation of the Institute’s PhD programme by SPS Head of Department Professor Arnout van de Rijt.
For Academic Coordinator Professor Valentina Di Stasio, the week offered an opportunity for participants to discover what makes the EUI distinctive:
“It is always a pleasure to see newcomers taking it all in, not only the beauty of the EUI surroundings, but also what makes this place special. The Summer Academy embodies three ingredients that are central to the EUI experience: intellectual curiosity, an international outlook, and openness to challenging one’s own assumptions. We hope the week has sparked their interest in joining our SPS Department!”
Sofiia Promitna from Ukraine highlighted the atmosphere created by both the faculty and the international group of participants: “The professors are very kind and clearly know their subjects inside out, and the atmosphere at the university is truly inspiring. The other participants are also amazing, and I’ve really enjoyed meeting and connecting with everyone. The only downside is that it’s all coming to an end so quickly! Other than that, I’m absolutely delighted with the experience.”
The Academy was supported through the EUI’s Widening Europe Programme, which aims to strengthen internationalisation, competitiveness and research quality in Widening countries and contribute to a more cohesive European Higher Education and Research Area.