The Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU) delivered its 2026 Summer School from 6–11 July at the University of Greenwich, in partnership with Public Services International (PSI), Trade Unions for Energy Democracy (TUED) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
As the team now look ahead to the 2027 Summer School, they reflect on the success of this year’s event – read on to see their snapshot in photos.
Bringing together lecturers and participants from 16 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America, the week-long programme equipped trade union activists and researchers with practical tools to expose corporate power, build democratic public ownership alternatives and turn rigorous research into effective campaigning.
The curriculum followed a progressive six-day journey. Our goal was to build a global learning community, to construct public alternatives, develop research skills, and finally translate research into organising strategy.
Responding directly to feedback from 2025, this year’s programme paired every theoretical session with a hands-on practical and introduced two participant-led sessions bookending the week.
The results reflect that effort. Participant satisfaction rose to 83.3%. Participants singled out Political Economy Analysis, Corporate Investigation and Organising Strategy as the most valuable sessions and consistently praised the international networking the residential format made possible.
In their own words:
“This has been one of the most meaningful learning experiences I have had. Beyond the excellent lectures, what made the programme truly special was the opportunity to connect with people from different countries who share the same commitment to public services and social justice. I hope the PSIRU Summer School continues for many years to come and reaches even more trade unionists, as its impact extends far beyond one week of learning.” — Nanda Pitasari
“I am very grateful for the opportunity — I think we need to follow up on group projects and be supported.” — Linah
“Being from an academic area, I have experience in doing some participatory knowledge production, but I realised that research has more potential to “organise”, which is one more step ahead. Summer school shed light into such possibilities and provided an avenue to network with people with similar interests and vision of how an equitable world should look like.” — Rakendu Suresh
At a time when public debate is increasingly shaped by misinformation and privatisation agendas dressed up as evidence, this work matters more than ever. The Summer School is a powerful investment. A week that leaves participants with sharper research skills, stronger international networks and the confidence to make the case for public ownership, and the impact ripples outward, back into unions and movements around the world.
It is a genuinely remarkable achievement, made possible by the dedication of PSIRU’s team, partner organisations and the participants themselves.
Graduates now receive six months of affiliate access to the University of Greenwich’s library and research databases, extending the learning journey well beyond the residential week and back into their unions and movements.
Browse photos taken throughout the week in the galleries below.
Participants enjoying the University of Greenwich campus at the Old Royal Naval College, London
Inspiring presentations and participant knowledge exchange opportunities
A programme of social activities included a boat trip, London tours, a BBQ, visits to pubs and meals out
