6th Summer School in Social Statistics

Complex data in the social and health sciences

After the success of the first five editions in Bressanone (2021), Capri (2022), Petralia Sottana (2023), Monteriggioni (2024), and Gorizia (2025) we are happy to announce the 6^th Summer School in Social Statistics, which will take place in Carloforte from September 14th to September 16th, 2026.

This edition aims to provide participants with methodological tools to analyse complex data in the social and health sciences, with a focus on generalised linear mixed models and competing risks models. Participants will be guided in choosing appropriate methods, applying them to data, and discussing the results.

The School mainly targets young scholars and PhD students, but Master’s students with an interest in Social Statistics are also welcome. The official languages will be Italian and English. Participants are limited to 20.

Scientific committee:

Massimo Attanasio (Univeristy of Palermo)
Stefano Campostrini (University of Venice Ca’ Foscari)
Gaia Bertarelli (University of Venice Ca’ Foscari)

Organizing committee:

Mariano Porcu (University of Cagliari)
Isabella Sulis (University of Cagliari)
Cristian Usala (University of Cagliari)
Alessandro Concas (University of Cagliari)

Speakers:

Massimo Attanasio (Univeristy of Palermo)
Stefano Campostrini (University of Venice Ca’ Foscari)
Gaia Bertarelli (University of Venice Ca’ Foscari)
Angela Andreella (University of Venice Ca’ Foscari)

Tutors:

Mattia Stival, Angela Andreella and Marta Pittavino from University of Venice Ca’ Foscari

Topics

Generalized linear mixed models:

The short course on generalised linear mixed models focuses on the applicative potential of these models in the analysis of complex data in social and public health fields, proposing two levels of study. The first concerns the understanding of hierarchical data structures and variability across units, while the second explores statistical models that incorporate both fixed and random effects to analyse the influence of different factors on variables of interest. Practical sessions using the R software are also included.

Competing risks models:

The seminar on competing risks focuses on the practical applications of these models in the social and medical fields, proposing two levels of study. The first concerns the construction of typical objects used in survival data analysis, while the second deals with regression-based statistical models aimed at considering the effect of risk factors in elimination processes.

Join the Summer School

There are no registration fees. Participation is free of charge, but an application is required by the indicated deadline. Places are limited and admission is based on selection. The Summer School will provide:

Course materials and resources
Accommodation at a discounted rate (see the next section)

Lunch and coffee breaks during the Summer School
Transfer service from Cagliari (13th September) and to Cagliari (16th September). Further information will be provided later

Apply to join our Summer School in Social Statistics using the following form. The deadline for the applications is July 10, 2026. Applicants will be notified by July 15, 2026.

Accommodation

Participants may stay in double or triple rooms at Villa Aurora, a parish facility made available by Father Andrea to offer simple and shared accommodation to young visitors in Carloforte. The facility will be reserved for participants of the Summer School in Social Statistics.

The accommodation provides basic furnishings and essential services. All double and triple rooms include a private bathroom. Please note that air conditioning, mosquito screens, and daily room cleaning are not available. Rooms will be provided upon arrival with bed linen and a set of towels for the entire duration of the stay.

This option is particularly suitable for participants who are comfortable with a simple setup and appreciate a shared, community-oriented experience, similar to summer camps or group activities.

A limited number of single rooms may be available upon motivated request. Further details will be communicated after the selection process.

Cost of accommodation: approximately €100 per person for 3 nights (bed only).

Booking and payment: participants who wish to use this accommodation option are asked to indicate their interest when submitting their application through the application form. Payment must be made directly to the facility by bank transfer. More details will be provided after the selection process.

Other accommodation options: Hotels, B&Bs, and holiday rentals are also available in Carloforte and should be booked independently.

Venue

The Summer School will take place at EXMA in Carloforte, a municipality on the island of San Pietro, a small island off the southwestern coast of Sardinia.

Participants can reach Carloforte either independently or by using the transfer service organised by the Summer School. Transfers will depart from Cagliari (city centre and airport) on the evening of September 13 and return to Cagliari (airport and city centre) on the evening of September 16. More information will be provided soon.

Alternatively, Carloforte can be reached by public transportation; however, we strongly recommend planning your trip well in advance, as September remains a high-demand period in Sardinia. More information on how to reach Carloforte can be found here.

Program schedule

Coming soon