European Summer School

d and

Junior Researcher Programme

Newsletter Winter 2012/13

Editorial

Looking Back: ESS Portugal 2012

Testimonials: ESS Portugal 2012

News: JRP Cohort 2012/2013

Looking back: JRP Cambridge 2012

Notes from the director: The road ahead

Updates: JRP structure

Vignettes: The ESS team

News: ESS Belgium 2013

It has been several months since some of us met for the first time at the ESS in Portugal and

some of us were reunited at the JRP internship in Cambridge. During this period, more has been

happening in our community than we could ever wish to address in this edition of the ESS / JRP

newsletter. Nevertheless, we are proud to deliver at least the most exciting news and updates.

On the first pages, you can read about the past ESS which took place last summer in Portugal -

not only from the standpoint of the organisational team, but also from the experience of

participants. You will also learn a bit about very promising progress of the current JRP cohort

that has been eagerly working on their projects.

The tremendous development of the JRP is also pictured in this edition. In addition to reading

about the very first JRP Conference that took place at the University of Cambridge, you can read

about the internship which provided the immediate past JRP cohort an opportunity to stay in

Cambridge for several weeks. After reading that, you will be presented with a future vision of

JRP and concrete steps that have been taken to achieve it.

At the last pages, you will learn about next year’s European Summer School and you will have an

opportunity to meet the ESS team. It is my pleasure to say that the team has been putting a

tremendous effort into organising an event that would be as life-changing as the previous

summer schools were for many participants.

On behalf of the ESS team,

Ladislav Zalis, Senior Coordinator ESS 2013

Contents

Looking back: ESS Portugal 2012

This past July saw the sixth annual European Summer School hosted in the northeast of

Portugal. The group responsible for the event had been organising for around ten months

before arriving in Portugal and we’d seen difficulties arise and solved, support raised, a

beautiful venue located, thirty-nine talented students selected from over a hundred

European applicants, and a group of organisers amassing more hours on Skype than they

care to remember.

This year, with so much effort being put into the development of the Junior Researcher

Programme to ensure that research projects would have longitudinal support, we wanted to

ensure we provided a summer school which truly lived up to a rapidly growing reputation and

the promises it made: high quality research-based experiences, thought-provoking lectures from

established lecturers, and a social programme that would bring together a diverse selection of

students and academics of all ages and backgrounds.

It goes without saying therefore that there was quite some apprehension and excitement

preceding the ESS. But outside the train station at Campanha, our meeting point on a Sunday

afternoon, we were delighted to be finally meeting everyone and setting forth. After several

dozen head-counts over a three-hour coach ride (the last thing we wanted was to lose someone)

we arrived at the venue. Nestled beautifully overlooking a valley, just a little away from the river

Douro, we all very quickly had the sense that if nothing else, we would at least be providing a

very unique context for summer school.

Breath-taking scenery & weather, boundless excitement and energy of participants were

constants throughout the week. Our lecturers held up their end of the deal too of course: Prof.

Brian Little (University of Cambridge), Dr. Sanne de Wit (University of Amsterdam) and Prof.

Miguel Oliveira (University of Coimbra) providing wonderful insight into how we can consider

cognitive bias from three very different perspectives. Maybe more than anything else, it was the

social programme and excursion arranged by the Portuguese that gave this year’s ESS its edge –

my words can do little justice to the river cruise we enjoyed along the Douro, but trust me it was

an incredible highlight of the week.

It is difficult to detail the atmosphere of an ESS – it is best experienced. But having had the

privilege of attending four ESSs, one thing I have come to learn is that after all the planning in

the world, it is the participants who make the ESS what it is: I was overwhelmed by the company

of such warm-hearted and friendly participants over those seven days in July. I must thank my

fellow team members for their work – it was undoubtedly the thought and care put in by them

that ensured the ESS ran so well. I can only hope that everyone enjoyed the week as much as we

did, and that it was enough to encourage a new generation of ESS organisers to come forward

and develop the ESS and JRP initiatives even further in the future – it is after all a truly unique

experience to be a part of.

William Steel , Senior Coordinator ESS 2012 /Activities Officer

The ESS was a fantastic, hidden opportunity to both gain valuable research experience and meet

like-minded people from across Europe. My highlight of the week was Dr. Brian Little’s lecture

on personality and personal projects because I was able to identify so well with the points he

made – I am most definitely a pseudoextrovert! Every participant and organiser at the ESS was

not only enthusiastic about Psychology but also keen to learn about the different cultural

backgrounds from which everyone came. I would thoroughly recommend the ESS to anyone who

wants to challenge themselves both personally and intellectually – it is a week which makes you

think more, feel more and see more in people and the field of Psychology.

Robert Blakey, University of Oxford, UK

The ESS is a once in a lifetime experience. You go there with some expectations and some

questions about how it will be, and you get out of there with even more expectations, even more

future projects and opportunities! It’s an amazing experience, from the first day until the last, the

lectures, the research group sessions, the activities…it’s really intense! You get to know so many

and different people and in only one week you create connections that can last and that you miss

on your way back home…it’s the best program I know for young researchers, where you can hear

from the ones that are already in the field and were they guide you for you to find your own path.

It’s an opportunity no one should miss!

Sofia Petisca, Superior Institute of Work and Companies Sciences, Portugal

The European Summer School was a truly amazing experience that stimulated me academically

as well as socially. I especially enjoyed the thinking process within the research group. Several

deep discussions with the other students resulted in our well-advised experimental design.

Through this sharp thinking process I learned a lot from my fellow students in a short period of

time. To be actively involved in all phases of experimental research is already challenging, but to

do this in a culturally diverse group is even more so. The group process is such an asset; it pushes

the engagement to a higher level. This social aspect, being involved as the person you are, was

present during the entire week. My interest in psychology and motivation to learn more

increased significantly.

Laurien Nagels-Coune, University of Leuven, Belgium

The moment I was telling everyone I would spend my summer discussing research with other

psychology students, they thought I was going crazy. However, the ESS is more than just

making your way into research. It’s about forty people watching the sun come up, complaining

about the lack of sleep, and using “Mão direita é penalti” as their anthem. Listening to the best

lecturers with a cup of strong, Portuguese coffee, whilst already making up some visitation plans

through the year. Sitting on a boat and discussing the local economic crisis, with people salsa

dancing in the background. The JRP will cause us not only to grow as a person, but as well as a

team, and as a team member, towards the person pushing our limits in an experience we couldn't

get by any other chance.

Daisy Mechelman, University of Leuven, Belgium

Testimonials: ESS Portugal 2012

A little over 5 months have passed since the VI European Summer School took place and

39 participants were immersed into the 2012/2013 JRP Cohort. Since then, there has been

great progress and development of the projects taken over by the six different groups.

During those few months, the groups and I (as Research Officer) along with Dr. Kai Ruggeri (as

Director of Research) have kept close contact through periodical monthly meetings, as well as

other extraordinary meetings. This served as a way to keep the communication between all

structures involved in the JRP as well as to supervise the progress of the growing projects.

During this period of time, the groups have worked on a wide range of tasks as well as

challenges; one of the initial tasks was aimed towards the completion of a literature review

around the projects they are working on, which will be integrated in the Works in Progress

(WiPs) to be published in a special edition of the Journal of European Psychology Students

(JEPS) during next year. Additionally to allowing the students involved to have a good

theoretical conception of the project, it’s also a great objective source of the work that is being

developed by the cohort. Ethical approval was (and has been) a prominent task along the

development of the projects to ensure that all ethical standards are in check for all groups.

At this period, the groups have been working on the collection and selection of necessary

materials for the projects’ methodologies (e.g., software, scales) as well as the challenges that

come along with this part of the process. In parallel, the sample collection process has already

begun in some of the groups as well as the initial steps for conducting the pilot studies. Along

with the ongoing research work, one of the groups of the cohort submitted a poster presentation

for the Annual Congress of Social Psychology relating to the review done earlier (Project 3 -

“When is your face fit for the place?”).

In general, the groups demonstrate an extraordinary sense of organisation and involvement, also

being able to assess critically the project they’re involved in as well as the challenges they have

been facing along these past months. The communication methods used by all groups are quite

efficient, demonstrated by the progress in their projects. As a method of organisation, all groups

have also built a timeline through which they establish deadlines and periods of time for the tasks

that need to be completed in the future. This also allows for both myself and the DoR to keep

track of the developments of the group, additionally to the meetings.

The future for this cohort, in addition to the methodological progress, now holds the completion

of the WiPs with a work update being added to the literature reviews, to be published in JEPS; a

Congress presentation at the XXVII EFPSA Congress, in Turkey, at the end of April (21st-28th);

a Conference presentation at the JRP Conference, held in Cambridge, along with a one-month

long internship for the Global Health Access Policy (GHAP) Project, also held in Cambridge.

Luis Miguel Tojo, Research Officer 2012/2013

News: JRP cohort 2012/2013

Looking back: JRP Cambridge 2012

For the first time, there was an official second meeting of all research teams from the

previous year’s summer school held in August 2012. As all six teams remained active for

the full 12 months and had sufficient data collected, all groups participated in the second

part of the programme. This month-long element was hosted by Selwyn and Darwin

Colleges at the University of Cambridge and is part of the Junior Researcher Programme.

It had long been felt that the largest missing component of ESS research was the opportunity for

groups to reconvene and complete their work. While many had attempted gathering at other

EFPSA events, this had been only marginally beneficial across the previous four years. To

address this, the JRP team established an agreement with two colleges at Cambridge to host the

2011/2012 cohort. This event is the culminating activity for JRP groups and took place for the

first time in August 2012. This opportunity for finishing JRP cohorts involved three aspects:

1. Completing the work started in the previous ESS and submitting for publication

2. Participating as interns in a research programme at the host institution under the Global

Health Access Policy project (GHAP).

3. Attending and presenting at the JRP Conference, to be held in the middle of August.

The JRP has two research aims. The first is to complete and submit all JRP research for

dissemination. The second, and perhaps most unique to the programme, is the opportunity to

contribute to a research project in Cambridge with local academics working on the Global Health

Access Policy project. All active attendees who were students in the previous year will be

considered Interns.

A new concept was also introduced in this opening year of the JRP, the Junior Researcher

Programme Conference, during which each past JRP Cohort has the opportunity to present the

work completed to date on their research and to officially close their JRP activities. The 2011-

2012 JRP Conference was held at Selwyn College, Cambridge and attended by over 40 young

psychologists and early career researchers. The day began with a welcome from Conference

Chair, Ms Maris Vainre, followed by the keynote lecture given by Dr Saba Hinrichs. Speaking on

her work both at RAND Europe and her previous experience as a researcher at Cambridge, she

outlined the importance of JRP participants in the RAND-Cambridge Global Health Access

Policy project. Next, the six research groups comprising the first finishing JRP cohort presented

their projects to-date, each of which was followed by lively discussion from the floor and

presenters alike. After lunch, six EFPSA members presented their own research to the group on

a variety of topics across multiple psychological disciplines. In the evening, all participants

attended a champagne reception followed by a formal meal in Selwyn’s private dining hall in

which the Director of Research, Dr Kai Ruggeri, gave a moving closing talk on the state of the

programme after one year. After this celebratory meal, the group enjoyed a social evening in

Cambridge. While feedback on the event was highly positive, we anticipate great strides for next

year and offer our thanks to everyone for attending as well as sincere gratitude to our organizers

and Selwyn College for arranging the conference.

Luis Miguel Tojo, Research Officer 2012/2013,

and Kai Ruggeri, Director of Research

Notes from the director:

The road ahead

Plans for the current and coming JRP cohorts are in every way encouraging. At present,

we have confirmation that our new Cambridge host will be Corpus Christi College, one of

the oldest and most prestigious at the University, as well as one of the most beautiful.

Corpus has offered housing for all attendees as well as space for all JRP Conference

activities while expressing enthusiasm at the opportunity to do so. We are also pleased to

report that we anticipate a scientific host from a top department in the University, though

confirmation will come after final details are arranged. Furthermore, our collaborators at

RAND Europe have been equally supportive and we hope to share positive news to this

end shortly.

The vision for the JRP – from ESS through the Global Health Access Policy project – focuses on

professional development, scientific rigour and continued opportunities for all involved. Such a

platform was desired in the early years of ESS, but emphasis had to be placed on administrative

issues to ensure programme posterity. Thanks to the hard work of organisers over the past six

years, we are now positioned to redouble academic pursuits of the programme, including an

extended period for supervisor recruitment and selection, oversight from senior academics, a

JEPS special edition on current JRP project methodologies and increased participation of world-

class lecturers in psychology during ESS. Likewise, the establishment of the JRP as a concrete

support structure will enable us not only to ensure that all research groups remain active

throughout the year, but also that the six projects will have increased impact as we progress.

It should be said that we are under no illusions about the obstacles we face nor the limitations of

our work. It is entirely expected that the financial burdens of running such a programme are

compounded during the current economic climate – researchers around the world have felt this

and we are not beyond its impact. In that we are run as an independent research programme, we

are also very aware that we lack certain capacities necessary for scientific integrity, namely

ethical committees, senior-level research supervision and centralised workspace. It is our hope to

satisfy these issues in a structured manner in the coming years, much like the previous elements

of the programme, so rest assured we have not ignored areas of improvement.

In all, the European Summer School vis-à-vis the Junior Researcher Programme are remarkably

positioned for scientific and professional impact. The steps taken to date, the countless

opportunities created for young psychologists, and the lifelong memories and relationships have

made all the effort worthwhile. These collectively paint a bright picture for the future of the

programme and inspire confidence that whatever costs are associated with our growth is merely

investment in the best programme of its kind in the world.

Kai Ruggeri, Director of Research

Updates: JRP structure

One of the keys to establishing the programme for future cohorts is an agreed structure to

the programme. In the first year, this was something of a moving target which provided a

steep learning curve. After taking time to consider these lessons, we have modified our

structure to ensure effectiveness and posterity with the following amendments set.

1. ESS is now the opening week of JRP, with all participants as provisional members.

2. The ESS Blue & White Gala Night will be the official induction into the JRP for students

and Research Supervisors, after proposal presentations and group plans are submitted

3. There are three primary checkpoints for JRP research projects, all of which are monitored

by the Research Officer and Director of Research:

a. Work-in-Progress submission to JEPS (via RO/DoR)

i. Brief literature reviews submitted in the autumn

ii. Methodology (including ethical approval) reports late winter

iii. Amalgamation (WiPs) submitted prior to Congress

b. Presentation of research progress at Congress (at least one team member)

c. Contribution to final presentation at JRP Conference (at least one team member)

Desired but not mandatory individual activities include attendance at the EFPSA Congress,

EFPSA Conference, JRP Internship or external research dissemination event. JRP officers will

work to support such activities but these are not currently requisite.

Kai Ruggeri, Director of Research

Vignettes: The ESS team

My name is Dafina Petrova and I come from Bulgaria. I am doing a PhD

in risk communication and medical decision making in Granada, Spain. On

the ESS team I am mainly responsible for the scientific affairs. In my free

time, I like bright skies and running. Also, I like drinking wine from a

proper wine glass with pleasant company. I got involved in ESS thanks to a

small note in an elevator in Amsterdam. Honestly, I had no idea that this

elevator will take me to such amazing places with such great people. So hop

on and we’ll see each other in Belgium!

My name is Ladislav Zalis, and I am the lucky guy with the pleasure of

leading this year’s ESS team. While being interested in well-being

research and active mental health, I am finishing my bachelor degree in

the Czech Republic where I also come from. Apart from hours spent

studying well-being and organizing ESS, I enjoy playing the piano at

gloomy nights and hiking, running, jumping, cycling, skating, climbing

trees and relaxing during shiny days. If we meet each other, I hope to

have a nice talk with you about traveling and meditation!

From Portugal and only being 20 years old, I'm on the third year of my

bachelor's. I'm very happy to say I'm now the responsible for the social

affairs, of the ESS 2013. Last time my height was measured I found I am

less than 165cm tall, so yes, in a (very?) general way, I can be considered a

small person but this doesn’t mean I can’t achieve most of my goals. I

consider myself a very energetic person so you can be sure I will, definitely,

put a big amount of this energy on this year's ESS. Besides Psychology, I’m

passionate by very different things, starting in varied gastronomies,

passing by travelling and finishing in one of the most beautiful arts called

theatre. I sincerely hope to see you this year in Belgium!

Joana Diniz Costa

My name is Saša Zorjan and I come from a very small, but lovely country

Slovenia, where I'm currently pursuing a master degree in Psychology.

When I'm not devoting my time to research, I love to spend time with my

friends, a nice glass of wine, guitar and a lot of singing. I’m involved in this

years’ ESS team as the head of Finance and Administration and I’m very

happy that I have the opportunity of working with such talented and driven

individuals. Hopefully, we’ll meet in Belgium and you’ll join the amazing

ESS family!

News: ESS Belgium 2013

In 2013, the seventh European Summer School will take place in the castle of Obsinnich,

near Voeren, Belgium, between the 14th and 21st July. Our theme for this year is

Psychology and Well-Being Research – we will be exploring the factors contributing to

well-being from different psychological perspectives.

Belgium offers something for everyone; museums, beautiful historic buildings, nature, recreation,

800 different kinds of beer and over 2,000 chocolate shops. In less than one year, it will also offer

an opportunity for 36 European students together with 6 PhD students to engage in psychology

research.

The venue for the ESS 2013 is located in the Voeren-region which is formed by six small villages

and better known as ‘the most cosy attic of Flanders’. It is a unique piece of Belgium and you can

rightfully say that the living environment here is peaceful and unblemished. The air is pure and

the horizon wide, it shows you an unforgettable panorama. Participants will have an opportunity

to observe its scattered farmhouses, beautiful open meadows, hawthorn hedges, and fruit

orchards from the castle of Obsinnich which will be their home for one week.

The theme of the ESS 2013 is psychology and well-being research. Six research groups, each of

them led by an experienced PhD student, will be exploring the factors contributing to well-being

of individuals, groups and societies from different psychological perspectives. In addition, three

outstanding speakers will contribute to the programme by giving lectures, speaking with groups

and running workshops. As of now, participants can look forward to learn about good practice in

measurement and analysis of well-being as well as to learn about public importance of well-being

policies.

The recruitment of supervisors for the ESS 2013 will start in early January and end in late

February. If you are a PhD student or postdoc, or you know one, who is interested in the

opportunity of running a research group at this year’s summer school, do not hesitate to contact

us. You will be asked to submit a research proposal, CV and statement of motivation.

The recruitment of participants for the ESS 2013 will start in early April and end in mid May. If

you’re an undergraduate student (at Bachelor or Master level), or you know one, who would like

to attend this year’s summer school, stay connected with us through our website and look out for

the application process opening in spring. You will need to complete an application form and

provide us with your CV to apply.

The ESS team

On behalf of the ESS team,

Happy New Year

More information | www.efpsa.org

Contact | summerschool@efpsa.org