Cologne Summer School 2025
Intergenerational Justice - Conviviality, Cooperation and Sustainable Future Visions
From July 21 to August 1, 2025, the Cologne Summer School on Intergenerational Justice brought together students from all over the world in Cologne. The summer school was held in a hybrid format with 18 participants on-site and 9 participants online at the University of Cologne. Under the theme “Conviviality, Cooperation and Sustainable Future Visions”, the two-week program offered a unique mix of academic seminars, practice-oriented workshops, and cultural experiences. The aim was to explore the concept of intergenerational justice from various perspectives – ranging from environmental law and social policy to media education, gender studies, and corporate development.
Overall, the Cologne Summer School on Intergenerational Justice 2025 combined academic depth with practical insights and cultural diversity. It provided a space where knowledge could be shared, perspectives broadened, and international networks forged – all in the spirit of building a sustainable and just society for current and future generations.
On this page, you will find highlights from the academic and cultural program of the 2025 Summer School, as well as student projects from our online and on-site participating students from UoC partner universities around the world.
Cologne Summer Schools Key Project 2025
The Cologne Summer Schools program of the University of Cologne brings together students from across the world to learn, research, and experience academic collaboration in an inspiring international setting. In this film, various voices highlight the significance of this short-mobility program — a cornerstone of international education and exchange, made possible through the combined support of academia, politics, and the economy. Experience how participants explore Cologne, engage in research-driven learning, and build valuable networks for their academic and professional futures. With around 5,000 mobility scholarships awarded since 2012, the program Cologne Summer Schools continues to open doors for global cooperation and innovative thinking in Cologne and abroad. Special thanks to our sponsors — Kölner Universitätsstiftung and Santander — for making internationalization and the support of young researchers possible.
Cultural and Social Program
Student Projects 2025
Timetable
Digital Gallery CSS on Intergenerational Justice
Kick-Off for the Cologne Summer School on Intergenerational Justice 2025
The Cologne Summer School commenced with a festive welcome ceremony, marking the official start of the program. In a celebratory atmosphere, Professor Dr. Susanne Zank, Vice-Rector for Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities, opened the event, emphasizing the special significance of Cologne as the location of an internationally networked and research-intensive university. Representatives from the funding institutions Santander and the Kölner Universitätsstiftung welcomed the participants warmly and underlined the importance of international study experiences in the globalized world. The Chancellor of the University of Cologne, Mr. Karsten Gerlof, also attended the opening ceremony and emphasized the relevance of the Summer School for academic exchange. A special highlight was the greeting from Minister Ina Brandes, Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, who wished the participants every success and highlighted the Summer School as an example of lively international dialogue. Finally, the keynote speech by Allen Drew Nelson kicked off the program, addressing central issues of intergenerational justice and providing initial impetus for the following seminars and discussions.
Certificate Awarding – Cologne Summer School on Intergenerational Justice 2025
The certificate awarding at the end of the Summer School was the final highlight of the academic program. During the second week, the participants presented their self-study projects on the topic of intergenerational justice to their fellows. After the final presentations, which were very insightful, the students received their certificate of participation in the Cologne Summer School 2025. Have a look at our certification awarding film and get an impression of the intellectual and intercultural adventure that the students were part of!
Our sponsors
The Cologne Summer Schools program at the University of Cologne thrives thanks to the strong support of its partners – especially our long-standing sponsors Santander and the Cologne University Foundation. Their commitment makes it possible each year to host a wide range of summer schools in Cologne and abroad, creating valuable opportunities for short-term mobility, intercultural learning, and academic exchange.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia and especially to Minister Ina Brandes for her personal video message welcoming this year’s international students to the University of Cologne. Her recognition of the Cologne Summer Schools program’s contribution to Cologne as a place of science and international cooperation highlights the lasting impact of our efforts in fostering global academic exchange.
Welcome Address by Minister Brandes for the Cologne Summer School 2025
A special highlight of this year's Summer School was the greeting from the North Rhine-Westphalian Minister of Culture and Science, who wished the participants every success and highlighted the Summer School as an example of lively international dialogue.
Do you have any questions or need advice?
The COLOGNE SUMMER SCHOOLS Team is happy to assist you!
CONTACT
Jukka Jokela (he/him)
Phone: +49 221 470 90803
Dr.' Sabine Päsler-Ehlen (she/her)
Phone: +49 221 470 90812
Available by telephone on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Personal consultation on appointment by email.
