Climes summer school 2026

Set against the backdrop of our commitment to interdisciplinary excellence, this summer school is tailored to doctoral students and early-career postdocs and is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the impacts of climate extremes. Students finishing their master’s studies may also apply.

Registration has closed.

📅 Application Deadline: March 22nd, 2026
🔔 Notification of Acceptance: April 24th, 2026

The 2026 climes summer school is supported by the European Geosciences Union.

Program Highlights

Lectures: Daily thematic lectures on Climate Extremes, Differential Climate Impacts, Climate Extremes and Public Health, and Artificial Intelligence in Climate Science.

Exercise Sessions: Application-oriented sessions to practice methodologies discussed during lectures.

Soft Skills: Sessions focusing on academic and professional soft skills, including communication to different audiences and participatory research.

Social Events: Opportunities for networking and informal exchanges, including a social dinner.

Presentations: Participants will present outcomes of exercise sessions, facilitating academic discourse and feedback.

The school runs between 9.00-16.00

Application details

General

Attendees cover their own travel and subsistence costs:
The school is free to attend, including the social dinner, but attendees are responsible for covering their own accommodation and travel expenses.

Apply for Sponsorship (if needed):
The school organisers have funding to provide travel support for those who would not otherwise be able to attend the school. However, the available funding is limited, and may not be able to cover all requests. Attendees interested in seeking financial support must submit a short statement (max 1 page) clearly explaining why they need support and providing a cost estimate for the required support.

The Summer School will accept a limited number of participants.

Your application must include the following information, submitted through the official form:

Required applicant details

Name, surname and affiliation

Contact details

Career stage (master student, doctoral student, postdoc)

Confirmation of whether you will cover your own travel and subsistence costs or are applying for financial support

If applying for financial support, a short statement (max 1 page) clearly explaining why you need support and providing a cost estimate for the required support.

A brief motivation (max 1 page) for attending the school

A support letter from your doctoral supervisor, postdoctoral advisor, or another senior scientist you are working with or have recently worked with.

Frequently asked questions

General Information

Who can apply for the Climes Summer School?

The program is open to doctoral students, early-career postdocs, and master’s students in the final stages of their studies. Exceptional undergraduate students with strong references may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Ph.D. students and postdocs are given priority. A limited number of master’s students may also be accepted. Master’s applicants must submit a letter of support from their thesis supervisor or a teacher as part of their application.

Will the Climes Summer School follow the same structure as last year’s program?

This year’s edition will maintain the same overall structure as last year, including lectures, exercise sessions, soft skills training, and networking events. Adjustments will be made based on participant feedback to enhance the experience. Last year’s program serves as a good reference for the topics covered.

What topics will be covered in the lectures?

Thematic lectures will focus on:

Climate Extremes and Their Impacts
Differential Climate Impacts
Climate Extremes and Public Health
Artificial Intelligence in Climate Science

Soft skills sessions will include:

Science communication
Participatory research
Engagement with policymakers

Does the Climes Summer School award academic credits?

We provide a document stating the amount of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) work corresponding to attendance, along with the participant’s name. Whether this is recognized as awarding credits depends on the study coordinator of the participant’s department.

Application Process & Selection

How are participants selected?

Selection is based on academic background, research interests, and motivation. Applicants must submit a short research summary or statement of purpose to help assess their fit for the program.

Is admission to the summer school granted on a first-come, first-served basis?

No. All applications are reviewed together after the deadline. Selection is based on academic background, research interests, and motivation.

Is travel support awarded on a first-come, first-served basis?

No. All travel support applications are reviewed together after the deadline. Funding decisions are based on the applicant’s need and the availability of funds.

Funding & Costs

Is there a fee to attend the summer school?

No. The summer school is free to attend, including the social dinner. However, participants must cover their own travel and accommodation costs unless they receive sponsorship.

Is financial support available for travel and accommodation?

Limited travel support is available for participants who would otherwise be unable to attend. Applicants must submit a short statement (maximum one page) explaining their need for support and providing a cost estimate.

If I don’t receive a travel grant, can I still attend?

Yes. Applicants should indicate in their application whether they can still attend if not awarded financial support.

Program Structure & Activities

Will there be networking opportunities?

Yes. The program includes structured discussion groups, an elevator pitch session, and a social dinner to facilitate networking.

What kind of social events are included?

The social dinner remains the main gathering, while additional activities (such as hikes or city tours) may be reconsidered.

Climes summer school 2026