What does it mean to de-centre Europe in historical research? Can we write a global history, a colonial and imperial history that is not centred on European archives and European analytical categories? How might that change our histories of Europe, and the world? This 2026 edition of the EUI Department of History's summer school takes up a range of such questions as we grapple with why such a de-centring is imperative and what the stakes are for distinct kinds of scholarship.

Programme Description

What does it mean to de-centre Europe in historical research? Can we write a global history, a colonial and imperial history that is not centred on European archives and European analytical categories? How might that change our histories of Europe, and the world?

This 2026 edition of the EUI Department of History's summer school takes up a range of such questions as we grapple with why such a de-centring is imperative and what the stakes are for distinct kinds of scholarship. Does historical research pose particular obstacles – as well as particular potential – for reformulating knowledge and action outside/beyond/against Eurocentric perspectives?

Join a group of dynamic early career researchers as we pursue different methods for doing history ‘otherwise’, displacing Eurocentrism with global and feminist perspectives, post- and de-colonial approaches, and alternative archival methodologies.

Our realms of inquiry will be diverse, encompassing legal history, history of capitalism, gender relations, visual culture, urban history, and more.

Dates

16-18 September 2026

Conveners

• Prof. M'hamed Oualdi (EUI)
• Prof. Alexia Yates (EUI)

Eligibility criteria

• Students of history, social sciences and related fields
• Graduates or students in their last year
• Any nationality

The applicants are not limited to EU member states and we welcome extra-European participants.

Applicants should be working towards or have completed a master's degree. Except under special circumstances, PhD students will not normally be admitted.

Enrolment numbers are limited and admission is based on merit.

Fees

• Registration fee for selected participants: 60 EUR

Programme

Speakers and programme to be announced, check the Summer School webpage for updates

Attendance and Certificate of Participation

• Attendance at all lessons is mandatory
• A certificate of participation is issued at the end of the course

How to apply

To apply, please visit the Summer School webpage

by 3 May 2026.