The graduate symposium takes place annually at the European University Institute (EUI) and provides a platform for students to discuss their work in the setting of a high-level academic conference. The papers scrutinize the effectiveness and analyze the impact of a full range of European Union policies. Overall, they seek to promote understanding of the ever-evolving EU system of governance. A discussant from the EUI’s prestigious Max Weber Programme provides detailed comments and specific advice on each student’s paper. As two institutions promoting academic excellence, the EUI and JMU grant an award for the best paper produced at the conference. The graduate symposium allows students to develop their research, presentation, and public speaking skills in a friendly yet highly stimulating professional environment, which can be a springboard for networking opportunities and international relationship building.
