The Tensions of Europe Summer School, held in Dordrecht, the Netherlands, on 6–7 July 2026, brought together early career researchers working in the history of technology to discuss ongoing research and develop new academic skills. The summer school began with short research presentations by participants, who discussed their research challenges with experienced scholars, Dr. Mila Davis and Dr. Frank Veraart (Eindhoven University of Technology), and fellow early-career researchers. The programme then featured sessions led by Dr. Emily Clark (University of Amsterdam) on sound recording technology and colonial history, Dr. Anne Helmond (Utrecht University) on digital methods for web history, Dr. Anna Aberg (Chalmers University of Technology) on oral history methodologies, and Prof. Nina Wormbs (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) on communicating research beyond academia. The summer school concluded with a keynote session by Prof. Ruth Oldenziel (Eindhoven University of Technology, Technology and Culture journal), which took the form of an informal discussion on navigating academic life, including writing strategies and the publishing landscape. These sessions provided valuable methodological insights and encouraged critical reflection on the relationship between technology, society, and historical research.
The cultural programme included a guided tour of Dordrecht by Jeanine Katsman (Dutch Open Air Museum) and a boat tour to the windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO world heritage site, during which we could observe and discuss processes of sociotechnical transformation in the region.
In addition to its official programme, the summer school offered an informal and convivial space for building international networks, exchanging research perspectives, and considering how historical approaches can contribute to understanding contemporary challenges and imagining more sustainable futures.
The summer school was co-organised by members of the Tensions of Europe Early Career Scholars Network (Filippo De Chirico, Siegfried Evens, Joe Litobarski, Lara Marziali, Tijana Rupcic, and Ginevra Sanvitale) with the support of the Tensions of Europe 2026 local team (with special thanks to Frank Veraart for coordinating the logistics and cultural programme) and the Tensions of Europe Management Committee.
The Summer School participants and organizers in a visit to windmills.