Applications Now Open for the 2026 Rome Summer Seminars on Religion and Global Politics

Applications are now open for the fourth edition of the Rome Summer Seminars on Religion and Global Politics, an intensive two-week programme that will take place in Rome from June 17 to July 1, 2026. The deadline to apply is February 9, 2026.

Hosted by Notre Dame Rome and the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, the Rome Summer Seminars bring together graduate students, early-career scholars, and practitioners from around the world to explore the complex intersections of religion and global affairs. Over the course of two weeks, participants will engage in high-level discussions, research workshops, and institutional visits that make use of Rome’s unparalleled resources as a hub for diplomacy, religion, and international dialogue.

The program includes participation in an international conference or policy dialogue involving senior scholars, policymakers, religious representatives and other civil society actors in addition to a ten-day writing workshop designed to help participants refine their ongoing research. During the workshop, participants receive feedback on dissertation chapters, draft journal articles, or policy papers while engaging in daily seminars and networking sessions. The Seminars also include visits to major institutions and organizations in Rome that work at the crossroads of faith and politics, offering participants a unique window into the practical and intellectual dimensions of the field.

Participants in the Rome Summer Seminars become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community committed to deepening the understanding of religion’s role in international life. The experience not only enhances participants’ scholarly projects but also broadens their professional networks, connecting them with peers and mentors from across academic, policy, and faith-based settings.

Application and Eligibility

The Summer Seminars welcome applications from graduate students working in fields related to religion and global politics. The program is primarily aimed at Doctoral students, although advanced master’s students and research practitioners with particularly strong applications may also be considered. Selection will be based on the originality and clarity of the proposed research, the applicant’s academic background and potential for contribution, and the overall fit between the candidate’s interests and the aims of the programme. Successful applicants will be notified in early March 2026.

Why Apply

The Rome Summer Seminars offer an unparalleled opportunity to work closely with leading scholars and practitioners in an immersive environment. Set in one of the world’s most historically and spiritually rich cities, the program combines rigorous academic engagement with real-world perspectives on global religious and political dynamics. Participants leave with sharper research projects, new professional connections, and a deeper understanding of how religion continues to shape global politics in the 21st century.

For full details and application instructions, visit the official program page at rome.nd.edu.