Dear Colleagues, 
  
We are beginning to plan for the 6th annual Summer Institute at George = 
Mason University.  Begun in 2000 as an attempt to encourage interest in = 
the history of economics, the Summer Institute offers a forum for = 
students to present research, work in progress or more polished papers, = 
to an interested and lively audience.  In past years we have had = 
participation by established scholars and (graduate and undergraduate) = 
students.  Past speakers include James Buchanan, Samuel Hollander, = 
Deirdre McCloskey, Phil Mirowski, Warren Samuels and Roy Weintraub = 
alongside students or recent students from the US, Canada, England, = 
France, Italy and Australia.  Participation may consist of presenting = 
research, but we also welcome attendance on any and all days by = 
interested parties.   
  
This summer, the meetings will take place from May 30-June 3rd at George = 
Mason University, Fairfax VA.  Sandra Peart will serve as Director.  = 
James Buchanan will open the conference, and William Easterly will = 
follow.  We invite proposals on any topic.  We are particularly = 
interested in arranging sessions with 2 or more papers on the following = 
topics:  Labels and Language in Economics; Economics, Cognition and = 
Learning; Transitions and "Progress" in Society; Mill, Robbins and = 
Hayek; Chicago and LSE Themes.  
  
In the past, the Institute has been generously supported by the Earhart = 
Foundation.  Thanks to that generosity, we have been able to reward = 
participation in vector fashion, money, coffee, bagels, pizza &c.  We = 
have applied for this funding again this year, and are hopeful that such = 
rewards -- especially the coffee -- will continue.  We anticipate = 
holding at least one evening dinner.  
  
Students who wish to attend are especially encouraged to apply.  In the = 
past we have been able to subsidize student travel and reward student = 
participation financially.  We also provide accommodation for students = 
in dormitory rooms at remarkably reasonable rates.   
  
Please send paper proposals (by 15 Feb.) or expressions of interest for = 
attending (any time!) to [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>  and = 
[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . 
  
Best wishes for the holidays, 
 
Sandra