Unique cross-pollination
The summer school is unique because it brings together young researchers from different fields and disciplines with a common interest in religion. In this way the programme breaks academic silos and leads to interesting cross-pollinations.
Concept
Students attend five days of classes with renowned experts. They also present their own research, have one-on-one time with the experts and build their academic network. All of this takes place in a small group of about 15 students and in an open, friendly atmosphere. The summer school takes place in the last week of August at the UCSIA House, an inspiring location in Antwerp’s bustling city centre.
Three-year cycles
Every three years, the focus of the summer school shifts to a different sub-theme. The 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions will examine the intricate relations between religion and politics.
History
The UCSIA Summer School has a history of over 20 years now. It was the first project launched by UCSIA in September 2003. The topic at that time was interfaith and intercultural dialogue between Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
The Faculty
Some high-profile scholars have already worked on the programme. The list includes Robert W. Hefner (Boston University), John Hutchinson (London School of Economics), Peggy Levitt (Wellesley College) and Linda Woodhead (King’s College London).
The current team of lecturers includes Jayeel Serrano Cornelio (Ateneo de Manila University), Vlad Naumescu (Central European University) and Jennifer Philippa Eggert.
Network for alumni
In 2024, we launched a network for alumni of the UCSIA Summer School.
Within this growing platform, alumni stay in touch with each other and actively share their academic trajectories, new research projects and recent publications. In addition, we organize online meetings and events that provide opportunities for exchange and collaboration.
In this way, the alumni network aims to contribute to a lively academic and public debate on religion, culture and society, across disciplines and boundaries.
Participation
Would you like to participate in this unique programme? The summer school is open to all PhD students and postdocs with a research interest in religion.
At the start of each year, we send out a call for papers. We then ask you to submit a paper on the topic. Based on those papers, the steering committee makes a selection of participants.
Would you like to stay informed? Sign up for the UCSIA Summer School Newsletter or follow the programme on LinkedIn or Facebook!
Find more information on the UCSIA Summer School website:
www.ucsia-summerschool.org
