CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS
ECREA MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION DOCTORAL Summer School 2026

We are happy to invite you to participate in the ECREA Summer School  that takes place on 3-9 August at Södertörn University, Sweden. The application deadline is 13 February, 2026, 23.59 CET.

The ECREA European Media and Communication Doctoral Summer School is an opportunity for European doctoral students to present and develop their ongoing PhD projects and build valuable networks. It brings together members of the European research community to explore contemporary issues within media and communication studies within a supportive social setting. Our main aim is to provide you with support, insights, and guidance through a variety of activities, including individual feedback seminars with leading media and communication scholars.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Summer School is open to all ECREA members and their PhD projects within the broad field of media and communication studies. We especially encourage doctoral students who are in the middle of their studies to apply, as it is our experience that participation in this phase is the most productive and useful for participants.

The Summer School runs over seven full working days and awards 10 ECTS credits. The working language is English; therefore, a sufficient understanding of and ability to express oneself in this language is expected.

LOCATION AND PROGRAMME

The Summer School takes place at the Department of Media and Communication Studies at Södertörn University, Sweden,  and the programme will include:

·       Feedback sessions: you get detailed and constructive feedback on your PhD project.

·       Methodological workshops: you get to hone existing competencies and discover new approaches.

·       Talks and round tables: you get insights into current scholarly debates and tips on how to tackle life in academia.

In addition, the programme will include social activities and cultural excursions, as well as time to work, write, and explore on your own.  

PARTICIPATION FEE

The participation fee is 1100 EUR. The fee covers:

• Accommodation in single room (2-10 August)
• Breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and snacks (3-9 August and breakfast on 10 August)
• Public transportation (train/bus) to and from the Summer School venue (4-10 August)
• Welcome reception, excursions, and farewell dinner
• Summer school materials, including diploma

Please note that all applicants must be ECREA members. You may also become a member after the selection, but no later than the end of April 2026. Applicants can either join their university’s institutional membership (if available) or register as individual PhD members (10–30 EUR/year). All the information can be found HERE.

Doctoral students with limited economic means can apply for an ECREA grant to cover the participation fee and travel expenses. Click here for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All interested doctoral students need to apply by Friday 13 February, 2026. The application must include a structured abstract of the PhD project (max. 400 words) and a short bio (max. 250 words). The structured abstract must address the following:

• Purpose and research question
• Theoretical framework
• Design/methodology
• Contribution
• State of project: what is the status of your data collection/field work

Please keep in mind that receiving constructive feedback can become considerably more difficult during the final stages of your PhD.

Click here to fill out and submit the application form.

Up to 50 doctoral students will be offered a spot at the Summer School. All applicants will be notified by the end of March, 2026.

Please note that accepted applicants must, by 26 July, 2026, submit a 10page paper on their PhD project as well as a 1-page list of questions and topics they would like to discuss at the Summer School. More detailed instructions can be sent to all accepted students later.

CONTACT

For questions related to the application and grants, please write to office@ecrea.eu.

For questions related to the programme, please write to ecreasummerschool@sh.se.