Sustainability Summer Schools 2026

We are working at the program of the sustainability summer school of 2026. The inscription link will be available on Mondag April, 20 2026.

Summer School 'Empowering environmental action in a transforming world'.

What?

Summer Schools organised for and by students. The aim is: to offer interdisciplinary, student-led, critical and engaged education on social-ecological issues.

Through parallel sessions, lectures, field trips, student-led discussions, and close contact with experts, you will spend five days learning about different perspectives around the themes of sustainability issues. 

This year, we are placing extra emphasis on interactivity, tangible results, local impact and a hopeful outlook for the future.

For whom?

Motivated students from all fields of study from the Association Universiteit Gent (AUGent).

Students will be selected based on a motivation letter. Are you not a student but still interested? Feel free to submit your motivation letter, exceptions are possible. For this summer school it is a requirement to know basic English since all lectures, workshops, etc. will take place in that language.

Why would you sign up?

The summer school offers an excellent opportunity to improve your knowledge of today's challenges and broaden your view.

By actively working on problems with fellow students with diverse disciplinary backgrounds during the workshops, you experience the challenge of uniting different visions in the search for solutions for an equitable society within planetary boundaries.

In addition, you will build a network of contacts with committed fellow students with diverse backgrounds, and get the chance to network with experts in the fields.

Week schedule

On Monday, we start at 9:00 a.m., and on other days at 10:00 a.m. We always finish around 5:30 p.m. with an optional evening programme. On Thursday evening, there is a public evening activity, about which more information will be shared later. Subject to change, there is also a volunteer & book market on Tuesday evening. 

Students and staff are welcome to follow the lectures during the day and the public evening activity.

For inspiration you can consult last year's program here .

Cost?

The summer school is free of charge for participants. All activities and lunches (plant-based) are covered by UGent. Transport and accommodation are not covered (!).

Accessibility

If you are a person with limited mobility or if you have other special needs to attend this activity, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can look together at how we can meet your needs. All locations are wheelchair accessible.

When

The summer school takes place from 14 to 18 September 2026.

Language

English, but some parallel sessions will be in Dutch. We try to create a space where people can easily express themselves.

Interested?

We will update details soon. You will find the registration link here on Monday, 20 April.

Contact 

duurzaam@ugent.be

Coordinator: Ade Dessein