Lugano Summer School in Social Sciences Methods Thrives with Record-Breaking Attendance

The Lugano Summer School in Social Sciences Methods concluded its latest session on August 22, celebrating a significant milestone with record-breaking participation. Held from August 7-22 in Lugano, Switzerland, the summer school saw 316 participants—a notable increase from the previous year.

This year's attendees accounted for 350 course participations, demonstrating the growing appeal and academic reputation of the programme. Participants joined from nearly 40 countries, underscoring the school's expanding global reach. This diverse group engaged in three preliminary online courses and a robust lineup of 21 in-person, full-time workshops.

A highlight of this year's program was the introduction of two plenary sessions, a first for the school. More than 160 participants took part in a lively discussion on the use of generative AI in social sciences research, addressing both quantitative and qualitative methods. This new format provided a valuable platform for dynamic dialogue and collaboration.

Building on this success, the dates for the 30th edition of the Summer School have already been set for August 6-21, 2026. Organisers are looking forward to an even larger turnout, an expanded course catalog, and an enhanced academic and social program.