The Council of the Baltic Sea States invites applications for the CBSS Summer University 2026, taking place from 12–19 July 2026 in Gdańsk, Poland.
Bringing together students, early career professionals, and researchers from across the Baltic Sea Region and beyond, the CBSS Summer University offers a unique opportunity to explore key regional challenges through an interdisciplinary and future-oriented lens.
Exploring resilience and the future of the Baltic Sea Region
The Baltic Sea Region is currently undergoing profound transformations shaped by geopolitical instability, climate pressures, and democratic challenges. At the same time, these developments open new spaces for innovation, cooperation, and civic participation.
The CBSS Summer University 2026 will focus on future-oriented governance, societal resilience, and democratic security in the Baltic Sea Region, addressing how societies can strengthen their capacity to respond to uncertainty and work collectively towards sustainable and secure futures. The Summer University is organised within the framework of the YoPeNET-Futures project.
Thematic focus and learning approach
Participants will engage with key topics, including:
- Societal and democratic resilience in the Baltic Sea Region
- Civil security and governance in times of uncertainty
- Youth participation in regional and transnational governance
- Disinformation, hybrid threats, and digital challenges
- Intergenerational and cross-sectoral dialogue between academia, policy, and civil society
- Strategic foresight and scenario-building for policymaking
Through lectures, seminars, workshops, and study visits, participants will collaborate across disciplines such as social sciences, political science, sociology, and futures research. The programme emphasises interactive and participatory learning, enabling participants to co-create future scenarios and develop policy-relevant insights.
What participants will gain
- Deepen their understanding of the Baltic Sea Region as a political, social, and cultural space
- Explore the intersections of security, sustainability, and democracy
- Learn and apply strategic foresight methods, including scenario-building
- Strengthen skills in critical thinking, policy analysis, and collaborative knowledge production
- Engage with experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across the region
- Learn how to co-create policy recommendations addressing long-term regional challenges
- Develop the capacity to act as future policy advisors, researchers, and civic leaders
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 5 ECTS credits.
Practical information
- Dates: 12–19 July 2026 (arrival on 12 July, departure on 19 July)
- Location: Gdańsk, Poland
- Participants: 20–25
- Tuition fee: None
- Accommodation: Provided free of charge for participants from outside Gdańsk
- Meals: Lunches and selected dinners included
- Travel: Limited funding available upon request
Who can apply
The programme is open to Bachelor, Master, and PhD students, as well as early career professionals and researchers in the humanities and social sciences with an interest in the Baltic Sea Region.
Applicants are invited to submit:
- A statement of intent (2,000–3,000 characters) outlining their academic or professional background, interest in the Baltic Sea Region, and motivation for participating in the CBSS Summer University
- Information on their institutional affiliation, discipline, and year of study
Application deadline: 27 April 2026
Notification of results: 17 May 2026
Applications should be submitted via the online form:
https://cbsssummeruniversity2026.konfeo.com
For questions, please contact: yopenet@uni-greifswald.de
The CBSS Summer University 2026 is organised by Council of the Baltic Sea States, Zatoka Foundation, Interdisciplinary Centre for Baltic Sea Region Research (IFZO) at the University of Greifswald, University of Gdańsk, Centre for Landscape and Culture at Tallinn University, Busola Trends, European Solidarity Centre, Södertörn University in cooperation with other YoPeNET-Futures project partners.