The University of Milan-Bicocca is opening the call for applications to participate in the 2026 INVEST Summer School “BIO4SPHERE – BIOeconomy for Sustainable Packaging, Housing, Engineering & Renewable Energy,” organised by the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) in Reims, France.
The Summer School will be held in two phases:
- Online phase: September 1–20, 2026;
- In-person phase: September 21–25, 2026, in Reims (France) – CMQe BioEco Academy & ESIReims.
The Summer School offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of the ecological transition through a program dedicated to the bioeconomy, sustainable materials, renewable energy, and resilient cities. The program allows participants to explore the role of active packaging, sustainable materials, renewable energy sources, and eco-designed buildings in transforming current lifestyles. Activities include hands-on workshops, case studies, meetings with local stakeholders, and cultural visits, culminating in the development of a project aimed at co-creating solutions to adapt lifestyles to climate challenges.
THE PROGRAM CURRENTLY INCLUDES:
Day 1: Bioeconomy
As part of the Mois de la Bioéconomie (Bioeconomy Month) organised by the Grand Est region, this event will delve into the concept of the bioeconomy, helping participants understand its fundamentals and broader implications.
Day 2: Sustainable Materials and Packaging
Presentations on bio-based and innovative packaging, European regulations and policy, as well as a presentation by the European Hemp Cluster.
Day 3: Energy and Thermal Engineering for Sustainability
Presentations on energy and sustainability, bioenergy and waste-to-energy systems, and innovative evaporative cooling systems for buildings.
Day 4: Sustainable Cities and Urban Engineering
Presentations on sustainable land-use planning and sustainable building materials, as well as a preparatory session for the roundtable discussions.
Day 5: Conclusion of the week
Roundtable discussion and presentation of student projects.
The program is worth 3 CFU and is conducted entirely in English. Minimum required level: B2. Students must have a background in disciplines related to sustainability.
To be eligible for the selection process, students must:
1. Be currently enrolled for the 2025/2026 academic year in:
- a Bachelor’s degree program beyond the first year;
- a single-cycle Master’s degree program beyond the first year;
- a Master’s degree program;
2. Be in good standing with the Academic Regulations of their degree program
3. Not have their academic standing suspended for any reason or be on a leave of absence
4. Not be enrolled in a year as a repeat student, not be enrolled for credit-only courses, and not be enrolled part-time
Students who are behind in their studies are not eligible for the program.
All listed requirements must be met until the program’s conclusion.
AVAILABLE SPOTS
There are 5 spots reserved for UniMiB students for the “BIO4SPHERE - BIOeconomy for Sustainable Packaging, Housing, Engineering & Renewable Energy” Summer School in France.
Application Procedures and Deadline
The application must be submitted via the Online Registrar’s Office by 12:00 p.m. on July 1, 2026.