Background of Summer School / Introduction
This summer school is a joint teaching program of the ELLS Subject Area Bioeconomy, which was initiated to promote the transformation towards a bio-based circular economy.
Hosting University
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU)
Venue
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) - Kamýcká 129,165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic
Date
August 11–22, 2025
Participants
20 students (+ waiting list)
Previous Knowledge
Preferably students of an ELLS member or partner university at master and PhD level. Other interested students can also apply. A background study in Life Sciences, Engineering and Economy is strongly recommended.
Course Content
The summer course will have a focus on the role of agriculture and forestry for bioeconomy, with a special emphasis on Czech bioeconomy examples. In a two-week programme, the summer school will give an insight into the whole life cycle of bio-based materials: from primary production, processing, to the products, embedded in the value chains, as well as the resulting sustainability impacts. Different national perceptions, systems and strategies of Bioeconomy will be included. In a mix of lectures, interactive sessions, and excursions, professors of ELLS partner and member universities as well as international experts will teach about the topic Bioeconomy in an interactive way and in an international setting.
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)
After completing the course, the participants should be able to...
Knowledge:
- Know basic concepts of relevant bioeconomy aspects as presented in the course
- learn to combine knowledge from different disciplines and understand the interactions between those
-
Skills:
- practice critical and analytical thinking in an international environment
- improve their scientific English language
Competences:
- acquire team ability and team competence in interdisciplinary and internation-al groups
- combine different perspectives on the topic, reflect on prior perception and revise existing attitudes
Course Schedule
June 30th – August 1st, 2025
Five-Week E-Learning Course (prior to the field week)
- Online preparation for the summer school
- Collaborative work in pairs to create a scientific poster
- Posters will be presented in Prague
Sunday, August 10th, 2025
- Arrival of participants
- Ice Breaker Event in the afternoon
Weeks 1 & 2 (August 11th–22nd, 2025)
- Welcome Session at CZU – Introduction of teachers and participants
- Campus Tour – Exploring the CZU campus
- Lectures & Seminars covering:
- Introduction to bioeconomy and bioeconomy strategies
- Stakeholders in the bioeconomy
- Forest bioeconomy & forestry breeding and genetics
- Biomass for energy
- Wood processing industry
- Food analysis
- Bio-based carbohydrates
- Aquaculture
- Visit the Agrovoltaics – Live Demonstration at CZU
- Excursions – Visits to a paper mill and the CZU winery
- Group Work – Poster preparation and finalization
- Mid-term Evaluation & Group Presentations
- Excursion – Visit to a biogas station and algae center
- Exam & Feedback Session
- Field Trip to Křivoklátsko – Exploring the protected landscape area and visiting Křivoklát Castle
- Final Evaluation
Course Language
English
Course Format / Teaching Methods
The teaching method is a mix of lectures, seminars, lab and field experiences and excursions during the two weeks on site, with a five-weeks e-learning course prior to attendance at CZU. The envisaged number of teachers involved are 6 from CZU and 4 from other ELLS universities.
Credits
ECTS Credits and Workload Overview
| Number of Credits [ECTS] | 6 |
|---|---|
| TOTAL Workload [hours] | 168 |
| Student's own work [hours] | 95 |
| Contact classes [hours] | 70 |
| Exam [hours] | 3 |
Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria
- Preliminary Preparation: General introduction to the topic and preparation of a presentation in small groups.
- Course Progress: Active participation in excursions, workshops, seminars, and team work.
- Group Work: Presentation of group projects, prepared in groups (prior to the start of the course) and evaluated by the teachers.
- Individual Work: Multiple-choice test at the end of the program.
- Feedback and Course Evaluation.
Cultural Activities / Social Program
- Icebreaker Event
- Campus Tour – Discover the CZU campus and its unique spots.
- Social Evening: Pizza & Movie
- Field Trip to Křivoklátsko – Explore the stunning protected landscape and visit the historic Křivoklát Castle.
Tuition Fees
Students from ELLS member universities: €250 (Some ELLS member universities provide scholarships for participants of ELLS Summer Schools)
Students from non-ELLS universities: €350
Additional Costs
Lunches during the summer school will be covered by tuition fees. Students are required to cover their own costs for traveling to Prague, food, private and touristic excursions, insurance, visa and personal needs.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the course fee and will be provided in the dormitories of the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague.
Health Insurance
Health insurance, covering illnesses and accidents, is required for participation.
Visa
All participants are responsible for arranging the correct visa required to study legally in the Czech Republic for the duration of the two-week summer program.
Application Deadline
Until 30th April
Link to online Application form
https://forms.office.com/e/YKtQ2uyA5C
Contact persons for scientific questions
Assoc. Prof. Miroslav Hájek, Ph.D., hajek@fld.czu.cz
Contact person for administrative questions
Kim Hortenska hortenska@fld.czu.cz