The Plurale Summer Academy is an event for anyone who believes that economics has more to offer than what is typically taught in today’s university programs, and for those who want to learn more about economics. It is a space for students, activists (regardless of what stage of their studies they are in), and early-career researchers to explore alternative and heterodox approaches to economics and engage in discussions about how these perspectives can complement, challenge, or even transform the economic mainstream.

This year’s Summer Academy features 24 workshops led by professors and experts from various schools of economic thought. In these sessions, real-world political and economic issues are examined through the lens of different economic schools of thought. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about a range of pluralist-oriented degree programs in Germany.

In addition to the workshops, we offer an extensive program of lectures, open spaces, and networking opportunities, giving participants plenty of chances to exchange ideas, reflect on their experiences, and connect with others. If you’d like, you’ll even have the chance to help plan the 2027 Summer Academy!

The Summer Academy is an initiative of the Netzwerk Plurale Ökonomik e.V. and is being organized this year in collaboration with researchers and faculty members from several pluralist-oriented academic programs in Germany. These include the University of Siegen, the Institute for Socioeconomics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, the Berlin School of Economics and Law, Witten/Herdecke University, Chemnitz University of Technology, the European University of Flensburg, and the University of Social Design.

The project is supported by the Canopus Foundation, the IMK of the Hans Böckler Foundation, the Katholischen Fonds, and Brot für die Welt.

Over the years, the movement for a pluralistic economy has evolved into a vibrant movement of students and young researchers who are rethinking the way economics is discussed both in academia and in the public sphere. Our mission is to promote openness, diversity, and practical relevance in economic thinking and action.

The Academy is organized by a team of volunteers, many of whom have already participated in previous Summer Academies or are actively involved in the movement for new economic thinking.

This year’s theme is:

“Whose Economy, Whose Future? Purpose, Power, and Pluralist Alternatives.”

In a world marked by climate crises, inequality, financial instability, and geopolitical tensions, a new and inclusive approach to economic thinking is more important than ever. The economy plays a decisive role in how resources are distributed, how crises are managed, and how we build a just and sustainable future.

Mainstream economics often reflects only a narrow spectrum of ideas and tools. That is why this year’s academy invites students and early-career researchers to explore a broad spectrum of economic theories, methods, and policy approaches.

At the Summer Academy, we go beyond traditional course material and demonstrate how different economic perspectives can shape the future in practice. Through hands-on workshops, collaborative sessions, and open discussions, we provide participants with essential tools to rethink the economic system and develop innovative solutions to today’s complex challenges.

The workshops are the heart of the Summer Academy. Each workshop focuses on a specific economic topic and offers alternatives to the neoclassical mainstream. Participants can freely choose from 24 workshops covering topics such as monetary and fiscal policy, feminist economics, postcolonial theory, degrowth, digitalization, and more.

Each session lasts between 90 and 180 minutes and offers a mix of interactive lectures, group work, and individual reflection. The workshops are led by professors, lecturers, and young researchers from the partner universities, as well as experts from the field, and typically include 15–20 participants.

You can find detailed information on the topics here.

Open Spaces are participant-led sessions where attendees present their own research and discuss their interests—ranging from in-depth discussions to creative breaks. While participation is voluntary, it is strongly encouraged to help bring the academy experience to life. Even if you don’t feel qualified to lead an Open Space yourself, you can still exchange ideas with others and discover new perspectives!

The summer academy runs for one week: Sunday, September 6, through Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Location: Alte Nudelfabrik in Zeitz, near Leipzig.

No! The academy is open to both English- and German-speaking participants. Many workshops are offered in German, and we ensure that there is always at least one German-language and one English-language workshop available. We always strive to create an inclusive and accessible space for everyone.

Not at all. The Academy welcomes young people from all fields of study and educational backgrounds who are curious about economic thinking and real-world challenges.

The Alte Nudelfabrik is located here: Neue Werkstraße 4, 06712 Zeitz. Zeitz is easily accessible by train (e.g., from Gera or Leipzig), and the venue is just a 6-minute walk from the Zeitz train station.

If this poses a problem for you for any reason, please feel free to contact us.

Applications for the Plurale Summer Academy 2026 will be accepted from May 15 to May 30.
We will then get back to you in June.

Die Teilnahmegebühr deckt Folgendes ab:

• Unterkunft (6 Nächte, 6.-12. September)
• Mahlzeiten
• Beiträge für die Vorträge, Ausflüge, Führungen und Abendveranstaltungen

Hinweis: Die Reisekosten können vielleicht übernommen werden – wir klären das noch.

Here you’ll find an overview of Plural’s business degree programs: 👉 https://www.plurale-oekonomik.de/plurale-studiengaenge

Feel free to email us at plusa@plurale-oekonomik.de – we’re happy to help!