Between 2–6 June 2025, the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) is proud to host the 4th edition of the CIVICA Summer School, an international academic event bringing together doctoral researchers, faculty, and experts from across the CIVICA alliance. Under the theme “Challenges of Democracy in a Digital World,” the Summer School provides a unique platform for interdisciplinary exchange and critical reflection on the political, technological, and social dynamics shaping democracy today.
The program kicks off on Monday, 2 June, at SNSPA’s headquarters with opening remarks from Vice-Rector Mihai Păunescu, PhD School Director Mălina Ciocea, and CIVICA Coordinator Zeineb Mazouz, followed by a keynote speech by Prof. Alina Bârgăoanu, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations. Over the course of five days, participants will engage with leading scholars such as Kevin Arceneaux (Sciences Po), Waltraud Schelkle (EUI), Marina Henke (Hertie), and Gabor Simonovits (CEU), covering topics from algorithmic governance to electoral trust and AI in global security.
The Summer School also features doctoral presentations, hands-on workshops on deepfake technology and automated text analysis, and a study visit to the Romanian Parliament. Discussions address urgent topics such as misinformation, algorithmic bias, participatory governance, and EU grand strategy. Faculty members from SNSPA, including Associate Professors Raluca Buturoiu, Valeriu Frunzaru, and Flavia Durach, will be key discussants during the doctoral research presentation sessions.
In addition, Florin Zeru and Andreea Stancea, Assistant Professors at SNSPA, and Associate Professor Dan Sultanescu will lead the hands-on workshop on deepfake technology, providing participants with practical insights into one of today’s most pressing digital challenges.
CIVICA Summer School 2025 reaffirms SNSPA’s commitment to internationalisation, interdisciplinary dialogue, and academic excellence within the European university landscape.
