Some answers to questions about the founding and status of EPSS.

Who formed EPSS?

EPSS was established by a supermajority vote of the EPSA Council, which consists of three EPSAL shareholders and nine elected, appointed, or ex officio members.

What is the relationship between EPSA, EPSS, and EPSAL?

EPSAL is a private, for-profit company that owns the trademark for the name “European Political Science Association.” Even though the EPSA council itself formed EPSS  we are going by a different name: the European Political Science Society (EPSS) in order to protect the organization.

For further information on the relationship and its history, please see the EPSA Reform Committee report and a related LinkedIn thread by Ken Benoit:
🔗 EPSA Reform Report and Council Motion (PDF)
🔗 LinkedIn thread by Ken Benoit

What is EPSS’s legal status?

EPSS is registered as a not-for-profit “community interest corporation” (CIC) under the legal name European Political Science CIC (EPS CIC). The directors of the CIC are the officers of the EPSS Council and act under its instruction.

The EPS CIC constitution is available here:
🔗 EPS CIC Constitution

What happens with ordinary and lifetime memberships?

Both ordinary and lifetime EPSA memberships are being honoured. Members can transfer their existing membership by visiting the following section of the EPSS website:
🔗 Membership transferred from EPSA

Please note that EPSS is currently in its start-up phase and has inherited no funds from EPSAL. Your support is therefore essential. We encourage you to become a member, consider a (second!) Lifetime Membership, or make a donation—particularly in support of our upcoming inaugural conference in Belfast.

Will there be two conferences next year?

EPSS will hold its inaugural conference in Belfast in 2026—a key milestone in the development of a democratic, not-for-profit association for political science in Europe.

The conference will feature peer-reviewed panels, scholarly exchange, and opportunities to shape the future of the discipline through inclusive governance.

To stay updated, please join our mailing list:
📧 epss-info-join@list.epssnet.org

EPSAL, as a private company, may organise a separate event. While we are not aware of their plans, we are fully focused on delivering a high-quality and inclusive EPSS conference, and we welcome your proposals.

What does this mean for support for PSRM?

PSRM (Political Science Research and Methods) is currently published under a contract between EPSAL and Cambridge University Press, which remains in effect for approximately 2.5 more years.

Nonetheless, the journal is a product of the collective efforts of the European political science community. EPSS remains fully committed to supporting PSRM. We encourage you to continue submitting your work, reviewing for the journal, and supporting the editorial team.

What are the new directions for EPSS?

EPSS is committed to transparency, democratic governance, and member-led development. We are currently exploring a range of new initiatives, including:

• Research prizes
• Travel support
• Small innovation grants
• Thematic working groups
• Early-career development
• Mentoring programmes
• Regional engagement, particularly in underrepresented areas of Europe

How can I help?

You can support EPSS by:

• Becoming a member
• Following us on Bluesky
• Spreading the word
• Joining our mailing list
• Sharing ideas for new activities
• Participating in working groups
• Co-sponsoring events, including the Belfast conference

If you are interested in co-sponsorship or getting more involved, please contact any member of the Council or email:
📧 admin@epssnet.org