Welfare states can be studied with a number of theoretical and methodological approaches, from various chronological perspectives and with a focus on different empirical phenomena. The summer school aims to stimulate dialogue between these approaches and to foster innovative cross-disciplinary welfare-state research. In addition, it provides an opportunity for scientific exchange of PhD students and well-established international scholars.

Teachers include Sonya Michel (University of Maryland, US), Marius Busemeyer (University of Konstanz), Christoph Conrad (University of Geneva), Carina Schmitt (Bremen University), Johannes Lindvall (Lund University), Pauli Kettunen (University of Helsinki), Paul Marx (University of Southern Denmark), and Klaus Petersen (University of Southern Denmark).
The summer school will take place in Odense Adelige Jomfrukloster - a former monastery from the 16th century and now part of University of Southern Denmark. The buildings are beautifully located in the city centre of Odense.

We invite PhD students from different disciplinary backgrounds to participate in the discussion on the development of welfare states, their preconditions, present status and how we ought to study them. PhD Students present their papers in parallel sessions and get feedback from senior scholars and junior colleagues.

We welcome applications by PhD students, including a paper proposal and a short description of the phase of their studies, by 15 March 2015. The approved proposals will be selected on the basis of their quality. Papers can be written from a broad historical or contemporary perspective and come from different disciplines such as history, social policy, sociology, political science, and political philosophy. Guidelines for papers will be sent in connection with the letters of approval by 24 March 2015.

Participants who complete the summer school successfully are credited with 5 ECTS credits.
There is no course fee, but participants are expected to cover their travel and accommodation costs (meals are included in the summer school program).

Applicants are asked to submit an abstract (max 400 words) for a paper and a short biography
(including a list of publications) by e-mail no later than 15 March to: Rikke Hellum, rhellum@health.sdu.dk

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Pauli Kettunen (University of Helsinki)
Klaus Petersen (University of Southern Denmark)
Paul Marx (University of Southern Denmark)