Una Europa Summer School 2026 for doctoral researchers: Sustainability for All

The Una Europa Summer School in Sustainability is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning to address current challenges related to Sustainability.

During the Summer School you will:

• Equip yourself with skills and competences to identify key challenges and diverse solutions to delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)
• Meet stakeholders working on sustainability policy
• Enhance your presentation and communication skills
• Enlarge your professional international network

This year, University College Dublin is hosting three Summer Schools in the same week: in One Health, Sustainability, and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. If selected as a participant for 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 Summer School in Sustainability offers an immersive programme designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their research. Through interactive lectures and data-driven workshops, students will learn to map SDGs and identify key indicators that measure progress across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

The Summer School emphasises methods and the use of robust data to assess real-world sustainability challenges and design actionable impact pathways. Participants will engage in case studies on scaling sustainability research, exploring how to translate innovative solutions into lasting policy and community change. A core focus is on effectively communicating research findings, data, and uncertainty to policymakers and stakeholders, ensuring evidence-based decision-making. By integrating scientific rigour with strategic communication, the Summer School aims to foster a new generation of sustainability leaders ready to create measurable global impact.

Field visits to sites showcasing sustainability solutions will take place and a social programme will provide opportunities for participants to meet their peers in a relaxed setting.

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.

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 University College Dublin (UCD)'s Belfield campus, 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 working on topics related to sustainability at Una Europa partner universities are welcome to apply. Applicants should be interested in areas such as the SDGs, clean energy, sustainable food systems, or demonstrate an interest in other topics related to sustainability.

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, logistics or academic content of the Summer School, please contact Associate Professor Aifric O’Sullivan, Sustainability Summer School 2026 coordinator (aifric.osullivan@ucd.ie).
• For questions related to grant and funding options available, contact your university's contact point from this list.