Call for applications: CBSS Summer University 2026 on “Minorities and societal resilience around the Baltic”

The programme of the second edition of the CBSS Summer University 2026, which will take place at the Knivsberg Educational Centre in Denmark from 2–8 August 2026, explores the evolving relationship between national majorities and minorities in the Baltic Sea Region.

Historically shaped by mistrust and conflict, minority issues have increasingly become a central element of reconciliation, cooperation, and democratic development in Europe, as reflected in instruments such as the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (1995) and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (1992).

The Summer University in Knivsberg provides an introduction to key questions of coexistence, conflict transformation, and societal resilience, with a particular focus on three regions: the Danish–German border area, the Baltic States, and the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland.

An intercultural and practice-oriented learning environment

Hosted in the Danish–German border region, the programme uses this unique setting as a living laboratory for examining processes of reconciliation and transnational cooperation. Participants will explore whether and how the softening of national borders has contributed to new forms of cross-border understanding and governance.

A central element of the course is group work, in which participants will produce podcasts that engage with historical, cultural, and political narratives in multi-ethnic societies. This format encourages creative engagement and supports the development of practical communication and analytical skills.

The CBSS Summer University offers a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, intercultural exchange, close interaction with professors and experts, and collaborative exploration of some of the most pressing societal questions facing the Baltic Sea Region today.

Who can apply?

The programme is open to BA, MA, and PhD students from a broad range of academic disciplines. Its international and interdisciplinary structure enables participants to analyse historical border regions from multiple perspectives and engage directly with academic staff and fellow students in an open and collaborative environment.

The working languages of the Summer University are German and English.

Participation and application

• Dates: 2–8 August 2026
• Venue: Knivsberg Educational Centre, Denmark
• Participants: Maximum 35 students
• Deadline for applications: 1 July 2026
• Registration: CBSS Summer University Registration

Priority will be given to students from the partner institutions listed below. Applicants from other institutions may also be considered and are encouraged to contact Prof. Dr. Thomas Wegener Friis ([email protected]) for further information.

• Philipps-Universität Marburg – Contact: Dr. Martin Göllnitz
• Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel – Contact: Laura Pottzuweit
• Europa-Universität Flensburg – Contact: Prof. Dr. Hedwig Wagner
• Syddansk Universitet (Odense) – Contact: Prof. Dr. Thomas Wegener Friis
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung – Contact: Prof. Dr. Nils Abraham
  Branch of the University of Białystok in Vilnius – Contact: Dr. Katarzyna Biersztanska

More information: https://sommeruni.org/en/