The European Sociological Association (ESA) PhD Summer School 2026 offers an intensive, high-level academic programme designed to support doctoral researchers in sociology and related disciplines. The Summer School provides a structured and supportive environment in which early career scholars can present, discuss, and refine their ongoing PhD research while engaging with senior sociologists and peers from across Europe and beyond. Academic Focus The Summer School is closely aligned with the thematic priorities of the ESA 2026 Conference, with a particular emphasis on: Democracy Social action Solidarity Sustainable futures Participants will present key aspects of their doctoral research projects and receive detailed feedback addressing: Theoretical foundations Epistemological positioning Methodological design and rigor Scientific relevance and practical implications The programme culminates in a plenary debate session that explores the broader challenges and questions commonly faced by PhD researchers, including academic identity, career development, publication strategies, and navigating the later stages of doctoral study. Learning Environment and Networking The ESA PhD Summer School is designed to foster both intellectual development and professional networking by offering: Intensive feedback from senior scholars and peer discussants Structured opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange Engagement with doctoral researchers from diverse European regions and sociological traditions A collaborative environment that strengthens academic confidence and career prospects Key Details Number of Places: 25 PhD students will be selected 5 additional candidates will be placed on a waiting list Format: On-site (in-person) event Language: English Location: Warsaw, Poland Funding and Practical Support ESA provides financial support to ensure broad and inclusive participation: Accommodation for three nights (22–24 August 2026), booked and covered by ESA Meals provided during the Summer School Travel reimbursement of up to €350 per participant, paid after the event Strong encouragement for participants to use sustainable and environmentally friendly transport options whenever possible Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Be registered for a PhD in Sociology or an allied discipline Be enrolled at a European university Be a current ESA member, or commit to becoming a member before the Summer School Application Guidelines Applications must be submitted via the ESA ConfTool 2026 by 30 January 2026 and must include: Abstract (Maximum 350 Words) The abstract must be structured using the following subheadings: Title of paper Keywords (up to 4) Research question Theoretical framework Methodology (for empirical papers) Preliminary findings or conclusions Novel contribution and significance of the research Curriculum Vitae (Maximum 3 Pages) The CV must begin with the following information: Full name Academic affiliation (department and university) Country of PhD registration Current year of the PhD programme Email address Phone number Name, institutional affiliation, and email address of main supervisor During submission, applicants will also be asked to select the ESA Research Network in which they would present at the main ESA 2026 Conference if their paper is not selected for the Summer School. Selection Process Participants will be selected through a peer-review process based on: Scientific quality and originality of the proposed abstract Contribution to sociological theory, methods, or empirical knowledge Relevance to the Summer School and conference themes Additional selection criteria include: Balanced representation across European regions Diversity of sociological subfields and research topics Priority for applicants who: Have not previously attended an ESA Summer School Are in the final stages of their PhD Requirements for Selected Participants Selected participants must commit to the full programme and deadlines: Submission of a full paper (maximum 6,000 words, including references) by 15 May 2026 Papers will be circulated in advance and assigned to peer discussants Active participation in feedback sessions and discussions is mandatory Applicants are asked to apply only if they agree to these conditions and can meet all submission deadlines. Instructors and Academic Leadership The Summer School will be taught by members of the ESA Executive Committee, including: Milica Antić Gaber (Slovenia) Nilay Kaya (Turkey) Marilena Macaluso (Italy) Maggie O’Neil (Ireland) Ana-Cristina Santos (Portugal) Ana Vidu (Spain) Krešimir Žažar (Croatia) ESA President: Kaja Gadowska (Poland) The European Sociological Association warmly welcomes applications and looks forward to supporting the next generation of sociologists through the ESA PhD Summer School 2026. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.