OVERVIEW

• A broad, integrated understanding of energy materials and technologies across the full spectrum—renewables and with multidisciplinary approach. From energy storage, and nuclear—linking core physical and chemical principles to real-world energy applications.

• Awareness of current challenges, emerging solutions, and technology outlooks for a more sustainable and secure energy future, developed through expert lectures and discussion-based seminars.

• Familiarity with experimental techniques covered in the school, including an understanding of where these techniques are heading through dedicated “future developments” presentations.

• Hands-on skills from laboratory sessions, combining computational and experimental activities to practice with the topics introduced during the school.

• Improved scientific communication and critical discussion skills through seminar-style lectures with Q&A and active participation.

Students who complete the FEMT Summer School can pursue opportunities in research groups, laboratories, and innovation-oriented environments in academia and industry. Participants will be equipped to:

• A structured overview of key energy technologies and their materials, connecting scientific fundamentals to real energy challenges, with attention to the energy–environment nexus.

• Core knowledge of major thematic areas covered in the school, including: Energy & environment, Photovoltaics & photocatalysis, Electro-catalysis and photo-electrocatalysis, Next-generation nuclear energy, Mechanical energy harvesting (e.g., eolic/wind-related concepts, triboelectrics, etc.), Batteries & hydrogen storage

• Familiarity with experimental and computational techniques used in energy research, and an understanding of why specific techniques are chosen to study materials and devices.

• Assess and discuss emerging trends and future developments in experimental techniques, supported by dedicated forward-looking presentations.

• Practical, hands-on experience through lab sessions, combining computational and experimental activities to actively work on the school’s topics (not just hear about them).

• Improved ability to discuss research like a scientist, through seminar-format lectures that explicitly include questions and discussion as part of each session.

• Experience working and communicating in an international academic setting, since international lecturer are invited (including UC Berkeley, Universidad de Chile, Ecole Politechnique Montréal).

The FEMT Summer School is primarily aimed at Master’s and early PhD students (and recent graduates) with a background in disciplines related to energy materials and technologies (Physics, Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Engineering & related). This profile fits the school’s cross-cutting focus on themes such as energy & environment, photovoltaics and photocatalysis, electro-/photo-electrocatalysis, next-generation nuclear energy, mechanical energy harvesting, and batteries & hydrogen storage, supported by lectures and lab activities.

• Apply here

The FEMT Summer School is taught by an excellent, highly international faculty, bringing together University of Bologna professors and leading researchers from top institutions worldwide. Lectures are delivered by recognized experts such as Francesca Toma (UC Berkeley), Andreas Rosenkrantz (Universidad de Chile), and Clara Santato (École Polytechnique Montréal), ensuring participants learn directly from scientists at the forefront of energy materials and technology research.