International Laboratory for PhD Students in Social Sciences was launched by the International Sociological Association in 2000. The Laboratory consists of students’ presentation of their doctoral projects, followed by discussion on methodology, theory and other aspects of interest raised by the participating students and professors who offer also lectures on a general theme of the Laboratory. Some 12-14 doctoral students are selected each time in an international competition.

Till now, ISA organised nine Laboratories: Spain (2000), Italy (2001), Australia (2002), Morocco (2003), Portugal (2004), the Netherlands (2005), Nigeria (2007), Russia (2008) and Japan (2009). Two of them were dedicated to the methodology of sociological research (2000, 2002), one to major theories or paradigms of dissertations (2001), one to comparative theory and research methodology (2005). Five Laboratories were dedicated to specific themes: Rapports sociaux et identités (2003), New Urban Spaces (2004), Globalization, Social Problems, Social Policy (2007) and Education and the Media (2008), Possibility of Sociology in the Era of Globalization (2009).

The next Laboratory will be organised in 2011.