CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS OPEN 

Are you preparing a grant proposal, a special issue, an edited book, or setting up a new research network? The EISA Exploratory Symposia offers an excellent opportunity to meet in groups to pursue collaborative work. In 2026, EISA will host its 13th Exploratory Symposia for members in the town of Rapallo on the Portofino Coast in Italy.

When and where

From October 25, 2026 to October 28, 2026, EISA will organize its 13th Exploratory Symposia for members in Rapallo. Six groups of five scholars each, from different universities and countries, convey in Rapallo to work on a project.  

The symposia take place in the Excelsior Palace Hotel. The event opens with a welcome dinner on the evening of October 25, it then continues with two full days work in parallel sessions. Participants then leave Rapallo in the morning of day four (28 October).  

Who can apply

EISA will fund up to six groups with a maximum of five participants each. The groups are selected on the basis of the quality of proposals received. We invite proposals from research groups to engage in activities that will advance the field of International Studies in Europe.  

The Exploratory Symposia aim to facilitate two kinds of research groups: (1) Newly established groups that would like to meet at an early stage of a research project to progress it. (2) Already established research groups that would like to meet to work out how to further their research agenda. We encourage, in particular, participants and section chairs of the Pan-European Conference (PEC) on International Relations and European Workshops in International Studies (EWIS) to apply to continue their work through the Exploratory Symposia.  

Exploratory Symposia are open to EISA members only. The symposia strive for diversity in terms of gender, seniority, and geography. In the selection process, attention will also be paid to maintaining a broad range of participants and themes across funding rounds. 

Fees

The participation fee is 350 EUR and applies to each participant. EISA covers accommodation, breakfast plus an opening dinner on the first day of the Symposia (25 October). Travel costs and other costs are to be covered by participants. 

Please note that all participants must be EISA members. Anyone who is not already a member of the EISA or who needs to renew their membership can do so here. 

Format

There is no required format for the symposia. Participants will be expected to arrive in Rapallo on the afternoon of day one (October 25) and depart on day four (October 28).  

Participants who wish to extend their stay must contact the hotel directly and pay for the additional days/costs. 

How to apply

We invite proposals of approximately 2000 words.  

The deadline for proposal submission is June 26, 2026.  

Proposals should describe the group project, the purpose of the meeting, and provide the biographies of participants. Please note that groups must indicate in their application whether they wish to meet to discuss the establishment of a new research group OR whether they are advanced in their work and wish to discuss a publishing proposal.  

Replies will be sent by July 6, 2026.  

Panelists are expected to confirm their participation by paying the registration fee by July 29,2026. 

Submit your proposal by using the APPLICATION FORM.