Gravity unleashed! Calls are now open for ESA/ELGRA Gravity-Related Research Summer School

The ESA/ELGRA Gravity-Related Research Summer School provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research conducted in microgravity and hypergravity conditions in both life and physical sciences. You will be immersed in the fascinating world of altered gravity and investigate the benefits of conducting research and technology demonstrations in these unique settings.

The Summer School is designed in a blended format. In the first week, you will take part in a series of lectures and workshops held at the ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Facility located at ESEC-Galaxia in Transinne, Belgium. You will collaborate with fellow university students in dynamic team settings to brainstorm and develop new and exciting ideas for gravity-related experiments. In the second week, you will attend online sessions and work in teams to finally present your gravity-related experiment proposal on the last day of the Summer School!

During the Summer School, you will have the possibility to engage with stimulating lectures led by renowned international experts who are members of ESA and/or ELGRA. You will benefit from their experience and expertise in gravity-related research across different disciplines and gain insights into the practical aspects of their day-to-day work.

You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills through a team project, which will culminate in a demonstration of your learning and creativity. Upon successful completion of the Summer School, you will receive a certificate of participation and a transcript, which will account for ECTS credit(s) from your respective universities.

Last but not least, the team project serves as a first step towards applying for ESA Academy’s Experiments Programme, furthering your involvement in ground-breaking research initiatives within the European space sector. Seize this unparalleled opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with like-minded peers, and embark on an inspiring journey of discovery.

Preliminary schedule

Week 1 (17 – 21 June 2024)
Day 1	Introduction to ESA, its programmes and opportunities Introduction to ELGRA and SELGRA Gravity-related research overview Gravity and gravity-related research platforms ESA Education Office and hands-on programmes Presentations by Former Student Teams of ESA Academy’s Hands-On Programmes Team Project Introduction
Day 2	Develop a Gravity-Related Experiment Life Science Gravity-Related Research Lecture 1 Physical Science Gravity-Related Research Lecture 1 Human Physiology Gravity-Related Research Lecture 1 Team Work
Day 3	Life Science Gravity-Related Research Lecture 2 Physical Science Gravity-Related Research Lecture 2 Human Physiology Gravity-Related Research Lecture 2 Team Work
Day 4	Life Science Gravity-Related Research Lecture 3 Physical Science Gravity-Related Research Lecture 3 Human Physiology Gravity-Related Research Lecture 3 Project Management Workshop Team Work
Day 5	Team Project Topic Pitch Systems Engineering and Requirements Definition Workshop Experience of an ESA Astronaut
Week 2 (24 - 28 June 2024)
Day 6	Team Work Team Meetings with Tutors
Day 7	Team Work
Day 8-9	Team Work Team Meetings with Tutors
Day 10	Team Project Presentations Conclusion

Who can apply?

• aged minimum 18 years old. ESA Academy and ELGRA will only appraise applications from students who have no or limited professional experience in relevant engineering or scientific topics;
• be a citizen of an ESA Member State, Canada*, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia or Slovenia;
• be enrolled as a Bachelor (starting from 2^nd year) or Master student in a university for the academic year 2023-2024 (not graduating before the Summer School); 
• be studying an Engineering or Scientific subject;
• have never taken part in any gravity-related research activity and never been sponsored by ESA's Education Office or ELGRA.

Selected students will be requested to attend the entire 10-day Summer School and will be sponsored by ESA to attend the first week at ESEC-Galaxia. This sponsorship will cover accommodation and meals as well as up to 300 Euros for travelling to Belgium.

ESA is committed to achieving diversity and creating an inclusive professional environment. To this end, we welcome proposals and applications from all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. The ESA Academy strongly encourages inclusiveness within its programmes and within participating teams, which contributes to the enrichment of our programme.

Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support, either digitally or at the location of the training. In case of any questions or specific needs, please reach out to tlp@esa.int to get assistance or advice during the application process.

How to apply

• Fill in the application form;
• Upload a motivation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, no images);
• Upload a CV (Europass format, PDF, maximum 2 pages);
• Upload a formal recommendation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, including signature, no images) from a university professor or academic supervisor of current university (if it is not possible to receive the recommendation letter from your referee, please ask them to send a recommendation email to tlp@esa.int before the application deadline);
• Upload a copy of your Transcript of Grades from the two previous semesters, or, if not available, the previous graded academic year (PDF). 

All answers and documents should be in English (Transcript of Grades can be submitted in the language of the hosting university, if unavailable in English).

*Canadian students enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution may apply for additional support from the Canadian Space Agency through this Announcement of Opportunity (grant applications should be submitted at least 7 weeks before the course delivery and account creation 3 weeks before the submission deadline – create an account soon!). This additional support is to cover costs that are not already covered by ESA for selected Canadian post-secondary students.

The deadline for applications is 8 April 2024, 23:59 CEST.

For further information, please contact tlp@esa.int.