The INCLUDE Summer School 2026 stands as a flagship initiative within the Circle U European University Alliance, bringing together participants for an intensive focus on innovation for inclusion in higher education. Hosted at the University of Pisa from 6 to 10 July 2026, the programme combines foundational learning with hands-on collaborative work to address Equity, Diversity and Inclusion challenges across academic settings.

Circle U Alliance and Its Commitment to Inclusive Higher Education

Circle U unites nine leading European universities in a shared mission to enhance teaching, research and innovation. The INCLUDE Summer School exemplifies this collaborative spirit by targeting real-world issues in equity and participation. Institutions involved include Aarhus University, University of Belgrade, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, King’s College London, UCLouvain, Université Paris Cité, University of Pisa, and University of Vienna, among others in the alliance.

Programme Structure and Daily Activities

The five-day event begins with preparatory online sessions totalling around 10 hours. On-site, participants engage in eight hours of daily workshops, group work, stakeholder interactions and applied exercises. The first portion emphasises key concepts, perspectives and practices related to inclusion, accessibility and equity in academic environments. Sessions explore how these challenges appear in teaching, learning, institutional practices and innovation contexts.

The second portion shifts to a collaborative innovation sprint. Interdisciplinary teams tackle concrete EDI-related challenges using challenge-based and participatory approaches. Participants co-develop ideas, strategies or prototype solutions aimed at more inclusive and equitable higher education environments.

Learning Outcomes and Skill Development

By the end of the programme, attendees will analyse and critically reflect on EDI challenges in higher education, identifying manifestations across multiple domains. They will also collaboratively design context-sensitive responses, translating insights into actionable ideas or prototypes through participatory methods.

Who Should Attend the INCLUDE Summer School 2026

The Summer School targets an interdisciplinary audience of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, as well as early-career researchers and lifelong learners. It welcomes participants from all academic fields, with particular relevance for social sciences, humanities, business, law, education and STEM disciplines focused on societal impact of innovation. Participants in the related INCLUDE Webinar Series receive preferential access, though the event remains open to everyone.

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Credits, Assessment and Recognition

Participants receive a grade upon completion. Those finishing both the webinar series and the Summer School earn 5 ECTS credits. The programme includes follow-up reflection and assessment activities lasting 2-4 hours.

Application Process, Deadlines and Accessibility

Applications open from 15 April to 15 May 2026 via an online form. The event is free of charge. Potential funding for travel to Pisa can be explored through international or Erasmus offices at participants’ home institutions, with specific contacts available for each alliance university.

For the University of Pisa, enquiries go to circleU.erasmus@unipi.it. Alessandra Meoni serves as a key contact at alessandra.meoni@unipi.it.

Broader Impact on European Higher Education Inclusion

Events like the INCLUDE Summer School contribute to ongoing efforts across Europe to embed equity and participation into institutional cultures. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and practical prototyping, the programme supports the development of strategies that institutions can adapt locally. This aligns with wider European goals of accessible and inclusive learning environments for diverse student populations.

Challenges Addressed and Innovative Solutions Explored

Common EDI issues in higher education include barriers in teaching practices, limited accessibility measures and uneven participation opportunities. The innovation sprint format encourages teams to move beyond discussion toward tangible prototypes, such as new workshop models or policy frameworks, that participating institutions might pilot or scale.

Future Outlook for Similar Initiatives

As European university alliances continue to expand collaborative programmes, summer schools focused on inclusion are likely to grow in prominence. The model demonstrated at Pisa offers a replicable framework for other alliances seeking to combine conceptual depth with applied problem-solving. Stakeholders across the sector, from administrators to policymakers, can draw lessons on building more responsive higher education systems.

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Next Steps for Interested Academics and Administrators

Those considering participation should review the full details on the Circle U platform and prepare applications ahead of the May deadline. Institutions may also explore partnerships or follow-up activities to sustain momentum from the event. The programme underscores the value of targeted, alliance-driven opportunities in advancing inclusion across the continent.