OPEN CALL

IV International IS-UP Summer School

Future(s) In Dispute: Youth And Global Transformations

8th to 11th September 2026

Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Porto, Portugal

We live in a period marked by the intensification of multiple crises and the flourishing of profound social transformations, with a global scenario characterized by uncertainty, but also by the emergence of new means of collective action, resistance, and social imagination. The youth occupy a central position, being a key actor in the production of alternatives, leading social mobilizations, innovative cultural practices, emerging forms of political participation, and experiences in building fairer and more sustainable futures.

The IV International Summer School, «FUTURE(S) IN DISPUTE: YOUTH, GLOBAL CRISES AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATIONS» organized by the PhD Club of the Institute of Sociology of the University of Porto (IS-UP), will take place between September 8th and 11th, 2026, at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Porto (FLUP). This program aims to be an interdisciplinary space for meeting, experimentation, and dialogue with guest researchers, students, artists, activists, professionals, and members of civil society, specifically focused on critically reflecting on contemporary challenges and the possibilities of building possible futures. 

We invite submissions of papers (up to 500 words, in english ou portuguese) addressing the following themes: Youth, political participation, and democracy; Housing crisis, urban inequalities, and the right to the city; Populisms, radicalization, extremism, and democratic challenges; LGBTQIA+ rights, gender, diversity, and social justice; Education, knowledge, and learning in times of digital transformation; Artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and youth cultures. 

At a time when the future seems increasingly uncertain and contested, it is necessary to promote a collective construction of answers to the social challenges of the 21st century.

Target audience:

Anyone (national or international) with an interest in the topics covered.

Fees:

General Admission (students included) - 55 euros

Reduced Social Fee* - 35 euros

(*This fee is available for those who may find the General Admission Fee a barrier to participation)

Registration until July 10, using the form: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJNahadkSKKB5u5hqly_DoFwYxvfyiFk686mEOByRFwvFKDA/viewform

The Open Call with all the information is attached to this email.

For more information: isupphdclub@gmail.com

Hope to see you in Porto!