Thinking Wisely – Our Third Edition of the Summer School on Political Expertise Has Concluded
From 14–19 July 2025, the third edition of the expert summer school "Thinking Wisely" took place in Ukraine. This intensive programme, dedicated to political analysis, policy expertise and critical thinking, brought together participants from nine countries of Central and Eastern Europe, selected from among 216 applicants.
This year’s edition brought together a group of talented individuals representing diverse expert and professional backgrounds. Among them were:
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young researchers from universities in Toronto, Brussels, Tbilisi, Lviv, Kraków and Łódź, specialising in politics, law, history and civil society;
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policy analysts, ministerial advisers and opinion editors engaged in public debate and the development of policy recommendations;
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social activists, educators and NGO leaders who are implementing civic, educational and humanitarian initiatives across the region;
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experts in constitutional law and foreign policy, working within public administrations, international institutions and governance watchdog organisations.
What united them was a passion for the region and a shared motivation: to better understand the world and act wisely within its shifting dynamics. Their diverse experiences and perspectives enriched the programme’s discussions and exercises, fostering intercultural understanding and collaboration.
What happened during the summer school?
Throughout the week, participants:
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took part in workshops and decision-making simulations,
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learned how to draft policy recommendations and analyse global developments,
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worked on policy briefs and communication strategies,
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debated key political and societal challenges facing the region,
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and above all – engaged in meaningful dialogue, collaboration and mutual inspiration.
A community beyond borders
For many, the most valuable aspect was the encounter itself – beyond national, institutional or professional boundaries.
“Understanding the history of one’s own country – and others – is essential to grasping today’s world. It allows us to analyse international events more accurately and to participate consciously in political life,” one participant noted.
“Borders and flags lose their meaning when we’re united by a belief in the future and a shared commitment to growth,” another added.
We look forward to seeing you in future editions of Thinking Wisely!
International Summer School "Thinking Wisely" 2024
In August 2024, we invited young researchers, students, PhD candidates, journalists, and experts in international politics to take part in the intensive summer school "Thinking Wisely," organized by the Mieroszewski Centre.
Our aim was not only to share knowledge but, above all, to develop practical skills – from critical thinking and analytical writing to understanding the mechanisms behind foreign policy decision-making.
The program combined workshops led by experts from think tanks – including Ukrainian Prism, the Polish Institute of International Affairs, and the Ukrainian Centre for European Policy – with practical sessions on research methodology, international law, and media communication. A central part of the school was also dedicated to improving participants' skills in writing analyses and policy recommendations.
The safety of participants was our top priority – the location was carefully selected, taking into account its distance from areas of military activity and ensuring comfortable conditions for learning and integration.
What did participants gain?
- development of analytical competencies, including logical argumentation and identifying cognitive biases
- practical knowledge of how to create analyses and policy briefs
- a deeper understanding of the Russia–Ukraine war through the lens of international law and global politics
- direct access to regional experts and valuable networking opportunities
- inspiration for further professional and cross-border collaboration
Collected feedback showed that the school not only met participants’ expectations but, for many, became a catalyst for future growth. Attendees praised the high substantive level of the workshops, the open and engaging atmosphere, and the practical approach to political and analytical challenges.
"Politics is a complex field – to analyze it, we need both knowledge and methodology. This school provided both brilliantly."
"I learned how to avoid visual manipulation, how to write a policy brief, and how to speak in a way that ensures your voice is heard."
Bridge Analytica – the school where it all began
Before we invited young researchers to reflect together as part of the Thinking Wisely summer school, we paved the way with the Bridge Analytica project. This was a pilot edition of a summer school held in August 2023 in the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine. Its goal was not only to deepen participants’ knowledge of cognitive biases and heuristics but also to create a space for collaboration between young scholars from Poland and Ukraine. The project was co-organized by the think tank Ukrainian Prism.
Bridge Analytica focused on developing analytical skills—particularly in the area of writing policy papers and understanding methodological differences between historical and legal research. The school was designed for master’s and PhD students who are proficient in English and who seek a deeper reflection on how to study complex socio-political realities.
The program included:
- interactive workshops led by leading experts,
- discussion sessions where participants could share their research and ideas,
- an international environment fostering the exchange of experiences,
- and certificates confirming the skills acquired.
Our experience with Bridge Analytica revealed the strong need for spaces that support reflective, interdisciplinary, and peer-based thinking about politics, law, and history. Participants not only gained new knowledge but also formed networks that lasted well beyond the end of the program.
Thinking Wisely, launched in 2024, emerged directly from those experiences—it was their expansion, deepening, and continuation. The new format included even more advanced thematic blocks, new teaching tools, and a broader group of experts, but the core idea remained unchanged: to learn together how to analyze the world wisely.
