Una Europa Summer School 2026 for doctoral researchers: Exploring Soft Materials – From Molecules to BioMaterials

This Summer School forms part of the action plan of the Future Materials and Technologies Focus Area, providing enhanced opportunities for exchange among partner universities and stimulating interaction at PhD and faculty level. It also supports the development of shared educational activities, such as the possibility of proposing joint master’s theses.

This Summer School offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving areas of materials science. Soft materials play a crucial role in a wide range of applications, including biomedicine, sustainability, energy, and advanced technologies.

During the programme, participants will:

• Gain in-depth knowledge of the fundamental concepts governing soft materials, from molecular interactions to complex structures
• Explore biomaterials and functional materials for biological and medical applications
• Strengthen their ability to work across disciplines in an international research context
• Develop transferable skills such as teamwork, scientific writing, oral presentations, and scientific communication.

The programme includes:

• An intensive five-day in-person programme hosted at the Navile Campus of Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
• Lectures, thematic seminars, poster sessions, and interactive learning activities
• Contributions from academic staff and researchers from Una Europa partner universities

Upon successful completion of the Summer School, participants will receive:

• Acertificate of participation;
• 4 ECTS. Recognition of these ECTS credits as part of your study programme depends on the policies and procedures at your home university.

In addition to the academic programme, the Summer School will feature social and cultural activities, offering participants the opportunity to experience Bologna and its vibrant academic environment.

There is no tuition fee for participants.

Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna does not provide accommodation directly for participants. Researchers are therefore required to arrange accommodation independently.

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 at the time of the Summer School.

Submit your application via the application form by 23:59 CET 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.

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 academic programme or administration of the Summer School, please contact:

• Fabrizia Negri – fabrizia.negri@unibo.it
• Marco Giorgetti – marco.giorgetti@unibo.it
• Luca Muccioli – luca.muccioli@unibo.it
• Massimo Garai – massimo.garai@unibo.it

For questions related to grant and funding options available, contact your university's contact point from this list.