On 3-9 July 2022, University of Rzeszów, Poland, with the collaboration of Heinrich Böll Foundation and University of Leipzig organized International Summer School for Young Researchers focusing on “Citizenship under Fire: Practices of Citizenship in Central and Eastern Europe in the Times of Conflict”.

Young Researchers participated from the University of Rzeszów, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Goethe University in Frankfurt, Jan Amos Comenius University, VN Karazin State University, State University of Trade and Economics in Kyiv, State University of Yuriy Fedkovych,  University College Dublin, Aksaray University, Istanbul University, Moldavian State University, Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University and University of Naples Federico II.

Various research projects on citizenship were discussed in several panels, workshops including the war in Ukraine, academia-public transfer training, and presentations by young researchers.

Summer school participants visited the Mayor of Rzeszów, Urban Lab Rzeszów, and learned about urban development and digital transformation projects deployed in the city.

The Urban Lab Rzeszów connects residents, NGOs, and scientific institutions to collaborate for joint efforts for the development of the city, civic education, and improving the quality of life.

In discussing Citizenship under Fire, different speakers talked about the relationship between civic education, the culture of war, and the quest for peace, mainly the recent aggression of Russia on Ukraine, which has consequences all over the world, especially in Europe.

This Summer School brought together diverse aspects of citizenship to explore practices of citizenship in various political landscapes.

All participants presented their research projects featuring their work about changing political landscapes, e-Governance, digital information, law, and immigration problems.

I found Rzeszów a peaceful, innovative, and progressive city. Thanks to University of Rzeszów (Krzysztof Żarna, Mira Malczyńska-Biały), Heinrich Böll Foundation (Agata Gontarczyk) and University of Leipzig (Ireneusz P. Karolewski) for providing this great opportunity, bringing us together, and for the warm hospitality during the whole week.