In Between? 2026

About In Between? 2026

8–18 September 2026, Lübeck, Germany

In Between? is an international, educational project focused on exploring local histories in Europe’s borderlands – regions that share a unique culture of memory shaped by the turbulent history of the 20th century, including wars, geopolitical transformations, and mass migrations.
For the 2026 edition, we invite students and young professionals in the arts, humanities, and social sciences (aged 18–26) residing in European Union countries to apply for this year’s edition of our summer school, which will take place from 8 to 18 September 2026 in Lübeck, Germany where they will co-create a new episode of the In Between? podcast.

Why Lübeck?

This year, our focus shifts from contemporary political borders to those that no longer formally exist. We turn in particular to the former inner German border between the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). While this division disappeared from maps after 1990, its traces remain embedded in landscapes, memories, and social imaginaries.

Running for over 1,300 kilometres, the inner German border was one of the most symbolically charged frontiers in post-war European history. Apart from Berlin, Lübeck, located in Schleswig-Holstein, was the only major West German city situated directly next to this border. It ran just a few kilometres from the historic centre, following the course of the river Wakenitz, cutting through historic trade routes, influencing local landscape and leaving a lasting imprint on the region.

Today, we are interested not only in the material remnants of this division, but also in its less visible continuities. The former border can still be traced in the local environment, in the memories of inhabitants, in everyday practices, and in subtle forms of distinction that persist beyond its physical disappearance. Lübeck thus becomes a site for examining how a border can continue to exist as a mental and cultural construct, long after it has ceased to function as a political line.

Through fieldwork, participants will have an opportunity to get to know personal stories of those who lived through this period and to explore the memories, identities, and material traces left by this historic border.

Programme overview

The eleventh edition of the In Between? summer school will start with a preparatory online meeting in August, where the participants are to join an introductory lecture on the history of the inner German border.
From 8–18 September 2026, they will visit Lübeck and begin the onsite programme with a series of workshops on oral history, audio recording, and podcast creation to prepare for their further research. Participants will then explore the region on their own by visiting historical sights, taking part in guided tours, talking to, and recording interviews with experts and members of the local community.
Their research results will be captured and presented in the form of a short, artistic podcast they will produce with the help of an expert during the project. The recording will be shared on streaming platforms afterwards as a part of the In Between? podcast series.

Since 2016 the participants of the programme have explored 26 regions in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. In 2018 the project received a special mention during Europa Nostra Awards. You can find more information about previous editions on enrs.eu/inbetween.

Why join?

The Participants of the In Between? summer school will have the opportunity to:

Take part in workshops on oral history methods, sound recording, and podcast production;
Gain practical experience in field research and interviewing;
Develop storytelling skills by transforming research findings into engaging audio narratives;
Deepen their understanding of the history and legacy of the division between East and West Germany;
Collaborate within an interdisciplinary, international team to produce a podcast.

How to apply

Participants are selected in a two-stage recruitment process. To apply, please fill in the form by following the link below. Selected candidates will be contacted by the end of May and invited for a short online interview scheduled for late May or early June.

Application criteria:

Aged between 18 and 26 years (on the date of the application deadline: 20 May 2026);
Residing in a European Union country;
Intermediate level of English (B2);
Knowledge of German is an advantage, but not essential

The number of participants is limited to 8.
The deadline for online applications is 20 May 2026.

Apply through the form here.
Read the Rules of Participation here.

Participation in the programme is free of charge; meals (breakfasts and lunches) and accommodation are covered by the organisers. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the project location.

Project Coordinator

The coordinator of the 2026 edition of In Between? is Aleksandra Kalinowska.

Contact: aleksandra.kalinowska@enrs.eu

Partners

Organiser

ENRS is funded by: