The school is an intensive programme of lectures, workshops and discussions on the relevance of international law to the challenges of contemporary conflicts. It brings together legal, historical and political experts and participants from Central and Eastern Europe.
PhD students, young academics and those actively involved in public life - analysts, journalists, activists and NGO workers – from Poland, EU countries and Central and Eastern Europe, aged 18–35.
The programme is designed to combine theory and practice. Every day there are:
- lectures by recognised experts in international law, history and politics,
- case studies on real-life violations of international law,
- practical workshops, e.g. on argumentation and expert communication,
- panel discussions on the challenges of the contemporary international order,
- team-building activities (bicycle tours, canoeing, evening talks) to build lasting networks.
We place special emphasis on:
- development of argumentation skills,
- practical application of international law in policy analysis,
- critical thinking and working in an international environment.
The school will be led by experienced experts and practitioners in international law, international relations, and foreign policy. They combine academic expertise with hands-on experience gained in public institutions, international organisations, and think tanks.
Łukasz Adamski, PhD in humanities, Director of the Mieroszewski Centre. Historian and analyst specialising in Eastern Europe, particularly Polish-Ukrainian and Polish-Russian relations. Former analyst at the Polish Institute of International Affairs and OSCE observer in Ukraine.
Władysław Czapliński, Professor of Law and expert in public international law. Former Director of the Institute of Legal Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences, with experience in arbitration proceedings and cases before international courts, including the ECHR and CJEU.
Patrycja Grzebyk, Associate Professor at the University of Warsaw, specialising in international law and international humanitarian law. President of NOHA and Director of the NOHA programme at the University of Warsaw. Recipient of the Manfred Lachs Award.
Ireneusz Kamiński, Professor of Law specialising in public international law, European law, and freedom of expression. Affiliated with the Institute of Legal Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Jagiellonian University. Council of Europe expert and legal representative in the Katyn case before the European Court of Human Rights.
John Packer, Professor of Law and Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre at the University of Ottawa. He specialises in human rights, international law, and minority protection. He previously worked with the United Nations, UNHCR, and the International Labour Organization.
Ernest Wyciszkiewicz, PhD in political science, affiliated with the Mieroszewski Centre. His expertise includes Russian foreign policy, energy security, and EU–Russia relations. Author of analyses and publications on Eastern European geopolitics.
The school takes place on 23-28 August 2026 in the Masurian Lake District in Poland.
A very good active and passive knowledge of English is required - this is the official language of the school.
No. Participation in the programme is free of charge. The organisers provide accommodation, meals, the academic programme, and reimbursement of travel costs for participants:
– from Poland – up to €100
– from neighbouring countries – up to €200
– from other countries – up to €450
Before the programme begins, participants are asked to sign a short organisational agreement. As accommodation is provided, in the case of cancellation less than 14 days before the start of the programme, participants will be asked to cover the associated costs.
The school is organised in a small-group format – 15 to 20 participants – which allows for intensive workshop work and direct interaction with lecturers.
The recruitment process is simple and transparent:
- the call for applications lasts from 14 April to 26 May (new deadline!),
- a committee evaluates the candidates on the basis of the submitted applications, taking into account their commitment to international affairs as well as their motivation to participate in the school
- selected candidates will be invited to participate in the programme on 9 June.
If you feel that the world today needs not only strength, but wisdom and principles - this school is for you. Participation is more than lectures: it is an intensive experience that will arm you with the knowledge, tools and courage to act in a world where international law is sometimes challenged.
Thanks to your participation:
- you will understand how international law works in practice - from the self-determination of nations to the protection of minorities and countering faits accomplis,
- you will meet eminent experts who not only know the theory but have a real impact on international politics,
- you will learn how to write analyses for decision-makers, how to argue in the world of politics, how to effectively communicate ideas based on facts and law,
- you will meet people like you - committed, thinking critically and looking for a space to develop.
- you will gain motivation and new insights - Łękuk in Lake District is not only a place for lectures, but also a place to meet and talk, to be inspired and to build networks that stay for years.
Don't let the politics of accomplished facts become the new norm. Join the ranks of people who not only understand the world - but also want to change it.
Yes, the Mieroszewski Centre has successfully organised international summer schools since 2016 and the average rating of the programmes is 4.9/5.
Yes. Every participant who attends the school will receive an official certificate of completion of the summer school issued by the Mieroszewski Centre.
Participants become part of the Mieroszewski Centre alumni community, enabling continued contact, exchange of experiences, and potential future cooperation.