University 2025
ISCAR Summer University 2025:
"Practices Based on Cultural-Historical Psychology and Activity Theory"
August 11–16, 2025 (MSUPE, Moscow, Russia)
Application Deadline: May 26, 2025 (23:59 Moscow Time)
The scientific school of cultural-historical psychology, associated with the names of L.S. Vygotsky, A.N. Leontiev, A.R. Luria, A.V. Zaporozhets, D.B. Elkonin, V.V. Davydov, and other prominent scholars, currently attracts the attention of many representatives of the international scientific community. Preserving and developing this tradition worldwide involves several key areas of work, including the development of a unified system of concepts, support for collaborative projects and research in the field of professional training for specialists in education and social sectors, and the creation of practical tools aimed at overcoming learning and developmental difficulties in children of various age groups.
Although an increasing number of Russian and international scientists apply L.S. Vygotsky's ideas in their research, interpretations and understanding of the theoretical and methodological foundations of this scientific approach often remain incomplete and eclectic. Thus, revisiting the original texts of L.S. Vygotsky and his followers, as well as the best practices proven effective and based on the system of key concepts of cultural-historical psychology and activity theory, is now a priority in international psychological research. This trend reflects the shared interests of international academic society and provides a necessary foundation for joint discussions, scientific, and applied projects.
The ISCAR Summer University 2025 aims to facilitate broad and in-depth discussions on current issues in theory and practice related to child development and education, with an emphasis on cultural-historical psychology and the activity approach, while also incorporating interdisciplinary solutions to various challenges in the social sphere. The Summer University includes the following thematic sections:
- Methodology of psychological and pedagogical research (methodological foundations of cultural-historical psychology and activity theory in studying various aspects of education and development, philosophy of education and science);
- Theoretical and experimental research on learning and development (examples of research projects in psychological and pedagogical science);
- Demonstration of best educational and psychological- pedagogical practices based on the system of foundational concepts of cultural-historical psychology and activity theory (participants will engage in demonstration sessions, including workshops, to explore the application of CHAT concepts in creating effective social practices).
The ISCAR Summer University is designed to provide participants from different countries with opportunities to:
- Expand their knowledge of cultural-historical psychology and activity theory;
- Enhance their research skills in developmental and educational psychology;
- Acquire new competencies in designing and applying educational and social practices based on the foundational concepts of cultural-historical psychology and activity theory, incorporating evidence-based design principles;
- Present their research projects;
- Participate in discussions, exchange ideas, and receive feedback from leading international experts in the theoretical and practical application of cultural-historical psychology and the activity approach.
The ISCAR Summer University has a long history. Since 2010, MSUPE, in collaboration with ISCAR, has hosted 8 in-person universities, as well as the 2020 online university, involving over 250 top young researchers from more than 20 countries. The ISCAR Summer University has become a key platform for promoting the ideas of cultural-historical psychology and activity theory internationally, facilitating the exchange of experience and cutting-edge practical developments among the younger generation of researchers advancing the ideas of L.S. Vygotsky, A.N. Leontiev, D.B. Elkonin, P.Ya. Galperin, V.V. Davydov, and others worldwide.
Following the traditions of previous Summer Universities, leading international experts (researchers and practitioners) in cultural-historical psychology and activity theory will be invited to participate.
The ISCAR Summer University 2025 will also address issues related to the future professional development of PhD students (post-doc positions, research funding, etc.).
Specialists—researchers, scholars, educators, teachers, and psychologists— interested in psychological and pedagogical research on child development and education are invited to participate.
Formats of the International Summer University Events:
- Lectures and workshops by leading CHAT researchers;
- Presentations of participants' research projects;
- Group discussions;
- Focus groups and individual consultations;
- Problem-oriented discourse seminars (including methodology and data analysis based on participants' research materials).
Publication of Abstracts
Participants' research abstracts will be published in a special Collection. Authors of the best presentations will have the opportunity to publish their work in the journal Cultural-Historical Psychology.
Please note that all presentations will be recorded and the videos will be made publicly available on the Summer University website.
Official Language of the International Summer University: English
Application
The application must consist of three separate attachments in English (.rtf or .doc):
- Motivation Letter (should include information about your research on the selected topic and the purpose of your participation in the Summer University program);
- Research Project Abstract (title, brief description of the research, references);
- CV (must include: full name, gender, place of residence, university, supervisor's name, contact details (phone and email), dissertation title and year of study, place of work, and any additional information the participant deems necessary. Please provide information about scholarships or funding for your research project/dissertation, as well as participation in other graduate events (conferences/seminars)).
- High-quality portrait photo (file size at least 3 MB).
IMPORTANT: Applications that do not meet the above requirements or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Abstract Formatting Requirements
- Font: Times New Roman; 12 pt; line spacing 1.5;
- Text length: 1–3 pages;
- The abstract header must include: research title, author's full name, position, supervisor's full name and academic degree;
- The reference list should be included at the end of the abstract and should not exceed 15 items.
Number of Participants: The International Summer University can accommodate a limited number of participants—25 individuals.
The official deadline is May 26, 2025.
Participation fee:
In-person: $700 (payment is accepted in rubles at the Central Bank rate set on the day of payment).
The in-person participation fee includes:
- The academic program;
- Publication of abstracts in the collection of materials from Summer University participants;
- Accommodation in a standard double or triple room from August 11 to 16;
- Three meals per day (buffet style);
- Transfer.
Travel expenses (including visa fees) are covered by participants independently.
Online: $550.
The online participation fee includes:
- The academic program;
- Publication of abstracts in the collection of materials from Summer University participants;
Participants may contact the organizing committee if they require:
- An invitation letter to apply for additional funding from their national institutions;
- A visa invitation letter for entry into the Russian Federation.
If the application is approved, the participant will receive a letter from the Organizing Committee with instructions for transferring the organizational fee.
Selection Criteria:
- Quality of the application content;
- Early submission.
Venue: The main events of the International Summer University ISCAR 2025 will take place at a picturesque retreat near Moscow. The host organization is the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE).
Contact Information:
Application materials (motivation letter, research abstract, CV) and all participation-related inquiries should be sent
A confirmation will be sent to your email address.
For more details about the program and application deadlines, visit the official ISCAR SU website: http://iscarschool.com/.