SUMMER SCHOOL: Grounded Theory and Qualitatitve Methods
19 – 22 May 2026 – University of Pisa, Italy
Following the success of previous editions (2016, 2017, 2019, 2024), which brought together more than two hundred students from all around the world, the Center for Advanced Studies in Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory, Department of Political Science, University of Pisa, is organizing the new International Summer School on Grounded Theory and Qualitative Methods.
The Summer School is part of the University of Pisa’s international educational program. It is supported by AIS MET (Italian Sociological Association – Methodology Section) and collaborates with the European Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction.
This short but intensive four-day Summer School continues the long-standing tradition of the Center for Advanced Studies in Symbolic Interactionism and Qualitative Methods of the Department of Political Science, University of Pisa, in offering opportunities for knowledge and in-depth study for all those engaged in empirical qualitative research activities, particularly PhD students and young researchers.
The Summer School has hosted internationally renowned scholars working in Grounded Theory, Qualitative Research, and Symbolic Interactionism. Previous editions featured lectures and keynote contributions by scholars such as Kathy Charmaz, David Altheide, Joseph Kotarba, Jacqueline Low, and Lisa-Jo van den Scott, alongside Italian scholars whose contribution to the study of qualitative methods is particularly relevant.
This edition will also include lectures by well-known scholars in the field of Grounded Theory and Qualitative Methods, offering advice, suggestions, and practical guidance in the use of Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). Afternoon sessions will be devoted to open dialogue between participants, lecturers, and other scholars, with space for discussion of issues related to participants’ own research projects.
Application deadline: 19 April 2026
Contents
- Overview
- General Information
- Applications, Tuition Fees and Further Information
- Confirmed Speakers
- Programme
- Venue
Overview
The Summer School is designed to introduce participants to qualitative research and to the main principles of Grounded Theory through lectures, seminars, workshops, practical sessions, and interactive discussions. It provides both conceptual and operational tools for those interested in qualitative methodology in academic, professional, and applied research settings.
The programme combines theoretical reflection with practical training and creates opportunities for participants to discuss their own research projects with lecturers and fellow participants in an international environment.
General Information
- Official language: English
- Program intensity: Full-time
- ECTS: 3
- Where: The Summer School will be held on campus, in Pisa, at Polo Piagge, Via Matteotti 11 (2nd Floor)
- Participants: Undergraduate and graduate students, PhD candidates, researchers, faculty members, and professionals working in both the public and private sectors.
- Admission requirements: There are no specific admission requirements.
Applications, Tuition Fees and Further Information
For information on applications, tuition fees, deadlines, and administrative details, please refer to the official Summer School page:
Team
- Coordinator: Prof. Irene Psaroudakis
- Operational Manager: Dr. Alice Levy
- Summer/Winter School Office: support.summerschool@unipi.it
Speakers
- Charlie Barnao – University of Palermo
- Andrea Borghini – University of Pisa
- Emma Engdahl – University of Gothenburg
- Thaddeus Müller – University of Lancaster, EUSSSI President
- Irene Psaroudakis – University of Pisa
- Andrea Salvini – University of Pisa
Programme
- Lectures (seminars and practical sessions) on qualitative research and Grounded Theory
- Workshops on CAQDAS tools
- Interactive discussions on participants’ research projects
Venue
The Summer School will be held on campus in Pisa, at Polo Piagge, Via Matteotti 11.
