Una Europa Summer School 2026 for doctoral researchers: One Health for All

The programme is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning to address current challenges at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health. Participants will engage directly with leading experts, gain practical insights into emerging One Health issues, and work closely with peers in an interactive, supportive environment.

This year, University College Dublin is hosting three Una Europa Summer Schools in the same week: in One Health, Sustainability, and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. If selected as a participant in one of these Summer Schools, you will have a unique opportunity to network with doctoral researchers from disciplines beyond your own, broadening your experience, widening your networking opportunities and deepening your understanding of Una Europa as an interdisciplinary, cross-border alliance.

The Una Europa One Health Summer School 2026 will offer a dynamic blend of expert-led teaching, interdisciplinary discussion, and hands-on learning, hosted at University College Dublin. The courses and site visits during the Summer School are aimed at providing theoretical knowledge and practical application, leveraging the expertise of leading professionals in the One Health field.

Along with the in-person programme, there will be a compulsory online participation session held on 3 June. This session is currently in development but will likely take up to one half-day. The exact time is to be confirmed.

The following is a sample of proposed topics we aim to explore at the Summer School (note that the programme is subject to change):

• Systems approach to tackling One Health challenges
• One Health and environment
• Equity and One Health
• One Health literacy/Planetary health literacy
• The right to health and One Health: law, ethics and children’s rights in addressing global challenges
• Infectious disease as a One Health challenge
• Food safety and sustainable food systems
• Design thinking for One Health

The programme will include a number of site visits – such as to a hospital, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, and UCD’s Lyons Estate Farm – providing valuable real-world insights into One Health in practice.

As part of UCD’s hosting of three Una Europa Summer Schools simultaneously, participants will also take part in joint sessions, social events, and shared activities, offering a unique opportunity to connect with a wider network of doctoral researchers across disciplines.

After successfully completing the Summer School, students may be eligible for 3 ECTS. Recognition of these ECTS credits as part of your study programme depends on the policies and procedures at your home university.

There is no tuition fee for participants.

Accommodation is provided on UCD campus (Belfield), but each participant is responsible for financing their own travel and accommodation.

Accommodation will be available at UCD Residences at a reduced rate of €60 per night. Students will stay in shared student apartments; each apartment has 6 ensuite bedrooms. Students should arrive on Sunday 14 June and check out on Friday 19 June or Saturday 20 June. The programme runs from Monday morning until lunchtime Friday. (Note: UCD students are not eligible for accommodation.)

At most Una Europa partner universities, doctoral researchers can apply for Erasmus+ funding for Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) from their own university. Please note that the availability of funding depends on your home university. They will advise you on the availability and format of funding. Please contact your university’s institutional contact at the list below for more information on funding options.

List of institutional contact points for questions on funding to participate in the Summer School.

Please note: Erasmus+ funding for BIP mobility is not available for doctoral researchers from KU Leuven. Doctoral researchers from Edinburgh and Zürich are not eligible for Erasmus+ funding but may receive alternative funding from their home university. Doctoral researchers from Universiteit Leiden are asked to check with their faculty first about the potential to cover travel expenses, due to limited Erasmus+ funding.

In order to apply, you must be currently enrolled/employed at an Una Europa partner university as a doctoral researcher and will still be enrolled/employed there on 30 June 2026.

Submit your application via the application form by 23:59 IST/UTC on 13 March. As part of the application, you will be asked to provide a motivational statement and to upload an academic CV. You may only apply to one Una Europa Summer School in 2026.

Doctoral researchers at Una Europa partner universities whose research is connected to the field of One Health are welcome to apply. Applicants should be interested in topics related to human, animal and environmental health. Students from all disciplines, including the social sciences and humanities are encouraged to apply. Applications from students who have previously not attended an Una Europa Summer School will be prioritised.

Applications will be processed locally at each Una Europa university. Your application will be sent to your university for consideration.

Please note that a minimum English proficiency level of B2 is necessary to take part in this Summer School.

• For questions about the administration or logistics of the Summer School, please contact Nabin Adhikari (nabin.adhikari@ucd.ie).
• For academic or programme queries, please contact Gerardine Doyle (gerardine.doyle@ucd.ie).
• For questions related to grant and funding options available, contact your university's contact point from this list.