GOVTRUST | Summer School | Antwerp Summer University

Summer School | 17 - 21 August 2026

Master the ins and outs of trust and public governance from a multi-level perspective, while considering the context of grand societal challenges. Drawing on high-level scientific expertise from multiple disciplines (incl. political science, communication science, law, behavioural economics and public administration), you gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, causes and effects of trust in and between societal actors in multi-level public governance for societal transitions. 

What's in store?

✅ Exciting keynote by Professor Balázs Bodó, professor of information law and policy with special emphasis on technology governance

✅ Multiple thematic sessions: e.g. defining and theorising trust; trust and regulatory governance; political trust; trust and multi-level governance in the EU; trust and judicial governance; …

✅ Several renowned guest speakers will make a contribution. Confirmed speakers: Erik Hans Klijn (Erasmus University Rotterdam), Frédérique Six (VU Amsterdam), Tina Øllgaard Bentzen (Roskilde University)

✅ Expert GOVTRUST lecturers including Koen Verhoest, Esther van Zimmeren, Peter Bursens, Patricia Popelier, Michel Walrave, and many more

✅ Workshops to sharpen your research methods and to discuss participants’ own research with peers and academic experts

Social activities that allow you to experience the summer vibes and aesthetic of Antwerp, named the no. 1 most exciting city to visit in 2024 by The Times

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