Organized annually since 2023, the Rome Summer Institute is an international summer course focused on contemporary social issues. It is jointly organized by the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at FSS MUNI and The Catholic University of America – Washington. The program provides students and academics with a unique platform for international exchange of experience and the opportunity to build both professional and personal connections.
Participants explore various approaches to addressing key social challenges in different countries and cultural contexts. So far, the program has covered topics such as child protection, support for seniors, addiction, and immigration. A major benefit for Masaryk University students is the chance to compare different societal approaches and reflect on their applicability in the Czech context. Each year, 5 to 10 students from Masaryk University participate.
In 2025, the program will once again be divided into two parts. The first part will take place online, featuring asynchronous assignments and reflections (registered as the course SPRb1131 Rome Summer Institute). The second part will be held in person in Rome from July 6–16, 2025, offering interactive learning opportunities in a historic setting. This year, students and faculty from Italy, the Czech Republic, the USA, Korea, and Peru will take part, ensuring a rich international exchange of experiences and perspectives.
The course is conducted in English and awards three credits. Students can apply for financial support in the form of a scholarship. Registration for this year's summer school is now open. The Rome Summer Institute is particularly appealing as it is open to students at all levels of study, from undergraduate to doctoral students.
We view this program as a prime example of successful international collaboration within our department, demonstrating our commitment to fostering a global perspective in social work.
Pavel Navrátil
The Czech Science Foundation (GA ČR) has announced calls for project proposals in the areas of Standard Projects, JUNIOR STAR, POSTDOC INDIVIDUAL FELLOWSHIP, and International Projects, as well as a new scheme, the Restart Grants, designed for researchers resuming their careers after a break.
In 2024, the Faculty of Social Studies at Masaryk University successfully advanced several major projects, as evidenced by the high number of competitive proposals submitted and the accomplishments achieved throughout the year.
