From Athens to the Hague: OpenEU launches first Summer School on Resilience and Sustainability

Following the resounding success of the inaugural OpenEU International Winter School in Athens, the alliance is thrilled to announce its next milestone for doctoral education. The Open Universiteit (the Netherlands) is officially inviting PhD candidates from across Europe to The Hague for the first-ever OpenEU Summer School, running from 28 to 30 August 2026.  

Hosted at the University Campus Spui, this three-day event will serve as a transdisciplinary platform for the researchers of the future, focusing on one of the most pressing themes of our time: how innovation and learning drive resilience and sustainability in individuals, organisations, cities, and society at large.

Check here the programme

The upcoming Summer School builds directly on the powerful momentum and supportive environment established during the Winter School 2025. For many doctoral candidates, the PhD journey can feel isolating, but OpenEU has proven to be an exceptional antidote. Reflecting on the last edition, Isabel Lázaro (UNED) highlighted this unique benefit:  

"This experience really helped me share my work-in-progress in a safe environment, where there’s still time to reflect on your first steps. I learned so much from seeing how others approach their PhD in very different fields."  

Whether attending in person in the political heart of the Netherlands or joining online, participants can expect the same seamless hybrid inclusivity that defined the Athens event. As the UNED team noted regarding remote access, modern technology ensured they felt "fully included in the sessions, even from a distance." 

A High-Impact Programme

The 2026 Summer School has been meticulously structured to boost both academic skills and peer networks:

• 28 August: Welcome and registration, followed by practical workshops on academic publishing, open science, and essential researcher tools.

• 29 August: Research presentation day featuring inspiring keynote speakers and parallel research sessions where candidates will receive valuable feedback. The day concludes with an exciting social programme and dinner.

• 30 August: Continued research sessions and a collaborative open discussion on ‘Seeking Sustainable Solutions’ before the official closing. This blend of rigorous academic advancement and networking mirrors the exact vibe that left previous attendees feeling inspired. 

Aida Hustik (Open University of the Netherlands) recalled walking away from her OpenEU experience with "fresh insights and a renewed sense of energy," while the team from FernUniversität in Hagen (Siju Samuelkutty, Yuning Ding & Katherina Söker) summarised after their participation: "In just two days, we gathered insights that will enrich our doctoral work."  

Missed out on the Winter edition? The journey continues this August. Don’t miss your chance to elevate your research, connect with an international academic panel, and experience the incredible energy of the OpenEU community. Part of the event will be held in a hybrid format, streamed live and open to anyone interested.