Call for Papers: Research Workshop on Open Constitutional Democracy
/University of Lausanne, 26–27 August 2026
The University of Lausanne invites applications from early career scholars to participate in a research workshop on open constitutional democracy, which will take place on Wednesday, 26 August, and Thursday, 27 August 2026.
The workshop will explore the compatibility of deliberative democratic innovations with existing constitutional institutions. It aims to bring together a balanced mix of early career and senior scholars whose research engages with this theme. Discussions will address issues such as how deliberative democratic mechanisms—citizens’ assemblies, participatory fora, digital platforms, and other innovations—can be integrated within constitutional frameworks at the domestic, regional, and international levels.
A public roundtable with invited senior scholars will take place on the evening of Wednesday, 26 August 2026, following the first day of the workshop.
For more details about the workshop’s content, structure, and eligibility criteria, please see the full call for papers or visit the official webpage: https://www.unil.ch/news/fr/1762421717197
Eligibility
The call is open to early career scholars (including PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and researchers within approximately eight years of completing their doctorate) working in law, political science, philosophy, or related disciplines with an interest in the workshop’s themes.
Application Requirements
Applicants are asked to submit the following documents in a single PDF file:
Extended abstract of the proposed paper (maximum 1,000 words, excluding footnotes and references);
Curriculum vitae.
Submission and Deadline
Applications should be sent to: chiara.valsangiacomo-balmelli@unil.ch
Deadline for submission: 19 December 2025
For questions about the workshop or the application process, please contact:
chiara.valsangiacomo-balmelli@unil.ch