Shaping the Future of Political Science: EITM Europe 2025 in Mannheim

The Empirical Implications of Theoretical Models (EITM) Summer Institute, held from 9 to 20 June 2025 at the University of Mannheim, offered a highly impactful training program for PhD students and early-career researchers.

Founded and directed by Professor Thomas König of the University of Mannheim in 2009, EITM Europe aims to advance the understanding of political phenomena by combining formal theory with empirical methods.

The 2025 Summer Institute received substantial funding from the European University alliance ENGAGE.EU. The program comprised two intensive weeks, structured to provide participants with both foundational knowledge and advanced applied methodologies:

Week 1 – Theoretical and Statistical Foundations:

Theoretical Foundations led by Prof. Thomas Bräuninger (University of Mannheim): This module covered essential topics and conceptual tools necessary for formulating solid theoretical theses in political science.
Statistical Foundations led by Prof. Richard Traunmüller (University of Mannheim): Focused on statistical analysis, particularly Bayesian methods, to provide quantitative skills to test theoretical propositions.

Week 2 – Applied Research Modules:

Gender and Political Representation with Prof. Diana Z. O’Brien (Washington University): Provided an in-depth exploration of how formal models and empirical methods can be applied to issues of gender inequality, political behavior, and representation.
Realistic Political Problem Solving with Prof. David Fortunato (University of California): A practice-oriented model in which participants applied their newly acquired knowledge to analyze and develop solutions for real-world political challenges.

The EITM Europe Summer Institute supports young scholars in developing their academic careers. Attendees benefit from high-level instruction from leading scholars, a profound understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches, and invaluable feedback on their research projects. The program also offers valuable opportunities for collaboration and professional networking, making it a significant milestone for those committed to advanced research in political science.

Back