5th Summer School in Social Statistics
Addressing Complexity in Social Statistics through Network Analysis and Latent Variable Models
About the School
After the success of the first four editions in Bressanone (2021), Capri (2022), Petralia Sottana (2023), and Monteriggioni (2024), we are happy to announce the 5th Summer School in Social Statistics, which will take place in Gorizia from September 29th to October 2nd, 2025.
This edition aims to provide participants with methodological tools to address the increasing complexity of the contemporary social world through the use of network methods and latent variable approaches. Participants will be guided in selecting appropriate methods, applying them, 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. Places are limited to 30 participants.
Scientific Committee
- Domenico De Stefano – Università di Trieste
- Michela Gnaldi – Università di Perugia
- Mariano Porcu – Università di Cagliari
- Giancarlo Ragozini – Università di Napoli Federico II
- Susanna Zaccarin – Università di Trieste
Organizing Committee
- Simone Del Sarto – Università di Perugia
- Niccolò Salvini – Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Francesco Santelli – Università di Trieste
- Roberto Samar – Comune di Gorizia
Tutors
- Niccolò Salvini – Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Amin Gino Fabbrucci Barbagli – Università degli Studi di Trieste
Partners
The Summer School is organized in collaboration with leading institutions
Università degli Studi di Trieste
Università di Perugia
Università di Siena
Società Italiana di Statistica
Our Partners:
- Università degli Studi di Trieste
- Università di Perugia
- Università di Siena
- Società Italiana di Statistica
With the patronage of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia
Key Topics
Explore the main methodological areas covered in this edition
Learn how to analyze complex social relationships and structures using network methods:
- Fundamentals of graph theory and network metrics
- Community detection and clustering algorithms
- Dynamic networks and temporal analysis
- Network visualization and interpretation
Master techniques for modeling unobserved variables and complex data structures:
- Item Response Theory (IRT) models
- Factor analysis and structural equation modeling
- Mixture models and clustering approaches
- Bayesian approaches to latent variable modeling
Methodological Integration
- • Network-based latent variable models
- • Multi-level network analysis
- • Longitudinal network modeling
Applied Contexts
- • Social media and digital behavior
- • Organizational and institutional analysis
- • Policy evaluation and social interventions
Program Schedule
Detailed schedule of the Summer School activities
| Time | Activity | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 - 9:30 | Opening and Institutional Greetings | Domenico De Stefano (UniTS), Michela Gnaldi (UniPG) |
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Managing and measuring complex phenomena and data | Domenico De Stefano (UniTS), Michela Gnaldi (UniPG) |
| 10:30 - 12:00 | Corruption Measurement: From Theoretical Foundations to Empirical Indicators | Michela Gnaldi, Simone Del Sarto (UniPG) |
| 12:00 - 12:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 12:30 - 14:00 | Latent variable mixture models: Fundamentals, Applications and Potential | Simone Del Sarto, Michela Gnaldi (UniPG) |
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Lunch | |
| 15:00 - 16:00 | R tutorial on latent variable mixture models | Simone Del Sarto, Niccolò Salvini (UniPG) |
| 16:00 - 16:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 16:30 - 18:30 | Working Groups |
Materials
Access course materials and resources for the Summer School.
Download lecture notes covering network analysis, latent variable models, and their applications in social statistics.
Access datasets used during the practical sessions to apply the methods you learn.
Get code examples in R and Python for implementing the statistical methods covered.
Venue
Information about the current and past venues of the Summer School.
About Gorizia
Gorizia is a charming town located on the border between Italy and Slovenia. With its rich cultural heritage and beautiful surroundings, it provides an ideal setting for academic exchange and learning. The town has a fascinating history as a meeting point of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures.
Accommodation
Seminario Arcivescovile di Gorizia
Via del Seminario, 13, 34170 Gorizia GO
All students will receive a discount for the accommodation and will need to pay only 30 Euros a night.
View on Google MapsDetailed accommodation information and booking instructions will be provided to accepted participants.
A medieval walled town in the province of Siena, Tuscany.
A historic town in the Madonie mountains of Sicily.
A commune on the island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples.
The inaugural Summer School was held in Bressanone.
Airport
Gorizia is accessible through several airports. The nearest is Trieste Airport (20 km), with connections to major European cities. Ljubljana Airport (Slovenia, 60 km) offers additional international connections. From both airports, you can reach Gorizia by train, bus, or taxi.
Train
Gorizia has a train station with direct connections to major Italian cities including Venice, Trieste, and Udine. The station is located in the city center, making it convenient for reaching accommodation and the conference venue.
Car
Gorizia is easily accessible by car via the A4 motorway (Venice-Trieste). The city is well-connected to the Italian highway system. Parking is available in the city center, though public transportation is recommended for getting around.
Local Transportation
The city center is compact and easily walkable. Local buses connect different areas of the city. Taxis are available for longer distances or when carrying luggage.
Join the Summer School
Participation is free of charge, but an application is required.
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:
Applications
Apply to join our Summer School in Social Statistics. A limited number of attendees will be allowed.
Application Form
Please apply using our online application form:
Open Application FormSelection Process
Limited spots available. Selection will be based on applicants' CVs and aimed at ensuring a balanced class, including candidates with at least basic knowledge in social statistics or related fields.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: Sunday, August 24th, 2025
- Notification: By Monday, September 1st, 2025