The summer school focused on the role of theory in empirical social work research, particularly in the context of doctoral projects. Participants discussed how theoretical approaches shape research design, data collection and interpretation, and how theory itself can emerge from qualitative research.
Doctoral candidates, graduates and advanced Master's students took part in lectures, workshops and peer discussions. Theory was understood not only as a reflection of social reality, but also as a tool for making it visible and understandable. The exchange between Jordanian and German perspectives added particular value, enriching the debates on methodology, ethics and the significance of theories in social work.
The summer school provided an important framework for promoting young talent: doctoral students from the German Jordanian University (GJU), the University of Hamburg (UHH) and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAWHH) were able to present, discuss and jointly develop their research projects. The aim was to network knowledge transnationally and enable students to gain international experience in an academic context. In this way, the series contributes to establishing social science doctoral programmes at GJU and bringing the next generation of scientists from Amman and Hamburg into a sustainable exchange.
Inter-university events in Madaba and Amman – with the participation of the Vice-Chancellor and professors from GJU – rounded off the summer school in an open and welcoming atmosphere.
From HAWHH, the director and a member of staff from the Centre for Migration Research and Integreation Practices, Prof. Louis Henri Seukwa and Sara Karsli, took part in the summer school. The University of Hamburg was represented by Prof. Joachim Schroeder, Prof. Stefan Köngeter, Dr. Negin Shah Hosseini, Pawel Mehring and Niklas-Max Thönneßen.
The series will continue in February 2026 with a winter school in Amman and in autumn 2026 with a summer school in Hamburg.
