ITI Summer Program 2026: Science, Theology, and the Pursuit of Wisdom

20.11.2025,

ITI Summer Program 2026: Science, Theology, and the Pursuit of Wisdom

Dates: 29 June – 10 July 2026
Location: Riley Hall & Campus, Schloss Trumau, Austria (near Vienna)

Dive into the world of science and Catholic theology in a two-week immersive program!

The ITI Summer Program 2026 invites young people aged 17–30 to explore life’s most profound questions: about the natural world, the human person, relationships, and ultimately, God Himself. Our goal is to cultivate the virtue of wisdom through a participatory seminar method, where students read, discuss, and engage directly with the sources themselves—from Scripture and the Church Fathers to St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Paul II. The beauty and rich Catholic culture of Austria is a perfect contemplative setting for this worthwhile endeavour. People from across the globe will discover fulfilling perennial truths with one another and in doing so will forge new and lasting friendships. Please join us!

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Courses Taught by ITI Professors

  • Science-Engaged Theology: How Science and Theology Can Learn from Each Other – Dr. Simon Maria Kopf, FISSR
  • The Cherub’s Arrow: The Neurobiology and Psychology of Human Love – Dr. Gintautas Vaitoska, MD
  • The Gospel of John – Dr. Vincent DeMeo
  • St. Thomas Aquinas on Charity – Friendship with God

Why Attend?

  • Explore topics from cosmology and biology to free will and human love
  • Participate in interactive seminars led by ITI professors
  • Deepen your understanding of the harmony between faith and reason
  • Connect globally: form lasting friendships with fellow participants from around the world
  • Experience the beauty and rich Catholic culture of Austria as a contemplative and inspiring setting

Typical Daily Schedule

  • Lauds
  • Morning classes: 9:00–11:45
  • Divine Liturgy / Holy Mass: 12:00
  • Lunch: 13:00
  • Afternoons: excursions, adoration, study time, sports, and recreational activities
  • Recreation time: 17:00 – football, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, reading/study time
  • Vespers 18:15
  • Light dinner: 18:30
  • Evening social events: Rosary, coffee shop, music/choir, bonfires, trivia, game night, dancing, swimming, movies, and more

Excursions Include

  • Vienna & classical music experiences
  • Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mariazell
  • Heiligenkreuz Abbey
  • Laxenburg Nature Park
  • City of Baden & Vienna Forest
  • Optional excursion to Salzburg

Costs and Financial Aid

  • Tuition: €2,300 (includes housing, meals, books, organized activities, and transportation from Vienna International Airport)
  • Early Bird Discount: €2,000 if registered by 31 January 2026
  • Need-based scholarships available
  • ITI Enrollment Scholarship: Summer Program fees applied to first-year tuition for students enrolling at ITI

How to Apply

Spaces are limited. Registration closes on 31 March 2026, or when all places are filled. Your place will be reserved once tuition is transferred and a confirmation email is received.

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Where Does It Take Place?

The ITI is housed in the 12th-century former Cistercian castle, Schloss Trumau, as well as the newly built campus apartment complex in Trumau, Austria. Trumau is 20 km south of Vienna, 32 km from Vienna International Airport, adjacent to the picturesque vineyards and thermal region of Lower Austria, and near the Alps and the Danube River. Out-of-town participants will be met by ITI staff upon arrival at Vienna International Airport and shuttled directly to the ITI.

How Do I Get There?

Travel options include plane, car, train, or bus. For details, please see: Visit Our Campus. If you are traveling by plan and would prefer not to use public transport, then ITI will provide transportation to and from the Vienna airport.