International Energy Summer School

UKERC’s prestigious Summer School is always over-subscribed. 

A unique week-long event, it combines seminars from internationally leading speakers with challenging project work and professionally facilitated developmental activities. 

The intention is that the 100 international first and second year PhD students come away with a broader understanding of energy research, including the technical, physical, social, economic, environmental and business aspects of energy systems

To get into next year's Summer School, look out for our call for applications on our site towards the end of 2010.

Eligibility

The course is aimed at first and second year PhD research students (or their equivalent outside the UK) from universities or similar institutions in the UK or elsewhere.  Third year students will be considered only if places are available.

If you have attended a Summer School in the past, you are, unfortunately, not eligible to re-apply.
 

The Course

This internationally recognised course has been specifically designed to give first and second year PhD students an understanding of the broader issues relevant to energy research.

We welcome applications from those engaged in energy-related research including technical, physical, social, economic, environmental and business aspects of energy and energy systems.

We reserve 50 places every year for non-UK students from universities and research centres worldwide.

There is no charge for attendance; UKERC will provide accommodation and all meals and materials for activities.  

During the week-long course, students will have a unique opportunity to: 

• Examine the drivers behind current energy policy
• Understand the relevance of energy research to industry and markets
• Be involved in high level debate on energy research priorities in a number of key research areas, from demand reduction to future sources of energy
• Be presented with a number of contrasting international perspectives on energy
• Have the opportunity to network with key academic, business and Government energy contacts
• Research and develop a presentation to UKERC in response to real-life challenges in energy research
• Develop and practice professional skills in communication and engagement
  

General information and Logistics

• The course runs from Sunday afternoon to Friday lunchtime
• Please note that students will need to arrive in the afternnoon of Sunday and remain for the entire course. Unfortunately, applicants unable to commit to stay for the whole week cannot be considered
• The School will take place at different venues each year.  The venue for 2010 was the University of Warwick, the one for 2011 wil be announced towards the end of 2010
• The only cost to the student or their Institution is travel and visa costs
• The course will be facilitated by professional trainers from Vitae
• The course is specifically designed for first and second year research students undertaking PhDs in an energy-related topic
• Students must be nominated by their supervisor
• Deadline for nominations is usually the beginning of April.  If the course is oversubscribed, UKERC will initiate a selection process. If you are interested please check the website for updates
• If you have any questions, please call us on (0) 207 594 1574 or email Angela Knight
• Information and logisitics for next years course will be posted to this page towards the end of 2010  

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Comments from 2010 Summer School Students:

"the course offered Opportunities to network while having fun. Built good relationships to last. Very dynamic learning ground, combination of Energy Islands, speakers, posters and masterclasses was a great dynamic"

"Well-designed layout combining skills and knowledge. Time management and planning. It has made me more confident and passionate about my research"

"Fun, networking opportunities through various activities. Wide variety of speakers and systems contexts. It gave us the opportunity to Practice putting ourselves in policy makers shoes"

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Information

Each course is purposefully slightly different from the one before reflecting the changing energy research and political landscape.  See below for links to programmes from previous years for a flavour of the week-long programme.

The Programme in 2010 included external guest speakers such as Peter Taylor from the International Energy Agency (IEA), Terry Surles from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, Sally Benson from GCEF Stanford, Teodoro Sanchez from Practical Action, Ian Welch from the National Grid and Sebastien Ruiz from EDF Energy.

UKERC Summer School  25-29 June 2007, Cambridge
UKERC Summer School   23-27 June 2008, Roehampton University
UKERC Summer School  5-10 July 2009, Brighton 
UKERC Summer School 20-25 June 2010, Warwick University

 

 

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