Exploring Soft Materials: From Molecules to BioMaterials

Event information

Date & location
29 June – 3 July 2026
Aula Magna, Ue1, Navile Campus
Via della Beverara, 123/1 – 40131 Bologna (BO), Italia
Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Italy

The Una Europa Summer School “Exploring Soft Materials: From Molecules to Biomaterials” brings together doctoral researchers, Master’s students (according to partner universities’ eligibility rules) and academic staff from Una Europa partner universities for an interdisciplinary learning experience focused on soft materials, from molecular systems to biomaterials.

This initiative forms part of the action plan of the SSC Future Materials Una Europa project, providing enhanced opportunities for exchange among partner universities and stimulating interaction at graduate and faculty level. It also supports the development of shared educational activities, such as the possibility of proposing joint Master’s theses.

For Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, eligible PhD programmes include: PhD in Chemistry; PhD in Nanosciences; PhD in Physics; PhD in Industrial Chemistry; PhD in Automotive Engineering for Intelligent Mobility; PhD in Mechanics and Advanced Engineering Sciences. Eligibility of Master’s students is defined by each partner university in accordance with its internal academic regulations.

The programme explores the fundamental principles, properties, and applications of soft materials, fostering dialogue across chemistry, physics, materials science, biotechnology, materials engineering, and bioengineering. Teaching activities combine theoretical lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions in a highly international and collaborative academic environment.

The Summer School is organised within the framework of the Una Europa Alliance and hosted by the Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna.
Mobility grants will be awarded by partner universities through the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) and Erasmus+ staff mobility schemes, in accordance with institutional rules.

Application and selection process

2 February 2026 – Opening of applications

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online registration form here within 13 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Successful candidates will be notified by the beginning of April 2026 via their institutional e-mail address to accept their spot. 

Funding

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.

Programme : the draft programme will be available in the upcoming weeks, all the sessions (online (TBD) and in presence) are part of the regular program of the Una.School, therefore attendance is mandatory

English language requirements

Please note that a minimum English proficiency level of B2  is required to participate in this Summer School. Participants are expected to actively engage in lectures, discussions, and group activities conducted in English.

Why should I apply to this Summer School?

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.

What can I expect from the Summer School?

The programme includes:

• an intensive five-day in-person programme hosted at the Navile Campus of the University of 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:

• a certificate of participation;
• 4 ECTS, subject to recognition by the home institution.

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.

For further information on the Una Europa Summer Schools and related initiatives, please visit the dedicated page on the Una Europa Alliance website.