The Doctoral School is a bilingual (ES/EN) training program for doctoral students and other promising young researchers, organised by the United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) and the Andean Center for International Studies of the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Sede Ecuador (UASB-E) with the support of various international academic institutions and governmental organizations in the region.
The Doctoral School will deliver a series of lectures by leading academics on methods, theories, and new trends in Latin American, European and Comparative Regionalism, and offer the next generation of researchers the opportunity to discuss and develop their research projects in personalised tutorial sessions.
Taking place in Quito, Ecuador, from 13-17 July 2026, the Doctoral School will benefit doctoral students and other early-career researchers from across the social science spectrum, in various stages of their research projects, seeking answers to questions within the framework of Latin American, European or Comparative Regionalism.
The Doctoral School seeks to establish a network of researchers dealing with regionalism, based at universities across Latin America and beyond.
"The comparative perspective offered by school gave me an excellent opportunity to move beyond one region (or one organisation) and to discuss the implications of similar processes in different parts of the world. Given that I also teach Latin American studies, these insights were precious."
"En la escuela, no solamente tuve el privilegio de exponer mis ideas, sino de debatirlas a un nivel profundo e interdisciplinario, con futuros doctores, expertos y líderes regionales y globales, a quienes ahora llamo amigos".
- alumni of the Doctoral School
Why Join Us?
Explore Global Regionalism
The program is designed for researchers and doctoral students interested in Latin American, European, and comparative regionalism. Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest methods, theories, and trends in these fields, enriching your understanding and global perspective.
Personalised tutoring with international experts
Do you need specific guidance for your research project? During this program, you will have access to personalised tutoring provided by high-level international academics who will help you develop your work in a more effective and focused manner.
Global community of researchers
The Doctoral School attracts students and academics from around the world, giving you the opportunity to establish valuable global connections and collaborate with people who are passionate about research.
Accommodation in the heart of Quito
Enjoy a comfortable stay in the university residence located on the campus of the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar Sede Ecuador, in the heart of Quito, and discover a city rich in history and culture.
Scholarships for outstanding applicants
Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding applicants whose applications must be duly substantiated in the letter of motivation. The number of scholarships is limited, and they may cover registration or accommodation costs.
Thematic Areas
Conceptual and methodological debates on regionalism (Cross-cutting theme for the entire week):
- History of comparative regionalism
- Theories for researching regionalism
- Methodological approaches
Interdisciplinary debates:
- Institutionalisation of regional organisations
- New theoretical approaches (ontology, epistemology)
Latin American Regionalism:
- Integration processes in Latin America
- Impact of hegemony in South America and new dynamics of integration
- Regionalism and dependency
Comparative Regionalism and Global Dynamics:
- Comparative analysis between regions
- Regional agreements
- Global political economy
- Regionalism and multilevel governance
- Global and regional value chains
- Regionalism applied to different fields: Environment, health, energy, security, law, sustainability, and others
- Regional dimensions of multilateralism and UN reform
European Regionalism:
- European experience in comparative perspective
- Institutionalisation and evolution of regional organisations
- Regionalism in the context of globalisation trends
Schedule
The Doctoral School runs from Monday to Friday, with lectures delivered in the morning session and tutorials in the afternoon.
Application Requirements
Applications will be assessed and accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline on 31 May 2026. Spaces are limited, so apply early to secure your spot.
Language
Active knowledge of either Spanish or English is required, with at least passive knowledge of the other.
Documents needed
- Letter of motivation (up to 500 words)
- Detailed CV
- Summary of planned or ongoing research project
Submission
Documents must be uploaded to the application form in either Spanish or English.