Circle U. climate summer school at HU: register now!

Extreme weather events such as droughts, storms and heat waves, as well as melting glaciers and rising sea-levels pose a danger to communities, economies and: Humanity is in trouble and has all the science to prove it. But how can we communicate it effectively and make a difference?

Between 15 and 26 August, the Circle U. “Communicating Climate Science” summer school at Humboldt-Universität invites you to deepen your knowledge about what science tells us about climate change. As a participant of this free-of-charge programme, you will also be trained to impart this information to various target audiences.

There will be lectures, group work and writing workshops to increase awareness of pitfalls in climate communication and identify strategies to avoid them. By moderating panel discussions, you will get a chance to hone your communication skills, connect with established researchers and build your own networks with European peers.

Excursions and lessons from renowned researchers

At the “Communicating Climate Science” summer school, you will also take part in excursions in and around Berlin, including to the Natural History Museum, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the Environmental Education Center Kienbergpark and Gärten der Welt.

For two weeks, renowned researchers and communication experts from various European countries will offer insights into current issues dealing with the impacts of climate change and climate science communication. Lecturers include Circle U. Climate Chair Marcel Robischon, Anne Jensen from Aarhus University’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Climate Change, Marnik Vanclooster, professor of Environmental Science at Université Catholique de Louvain and many more.  

The programme will start with three days of online sessions (15 – 17 August), followed by a week of in-person classes and activities (22 – 26 August) and a final virtual session on 30 September.* All components of this summer school will be taught in English and you will be able to gain 5 ECTS. Find the full programme here.

How to apply

If you are a graduate or advanced undergraduate student (second year and up) and would like to apply, please submit your application and supporting documents (CV, letter of motivation, enrolment certificate and transcripts) online by April 29.** (Applications are closed.)

Our Summer School is competitive as we can only offer a limited number of places. The selection committee consisting of staff and professors from Circle U. universities will select eligible participants based on the following criteria: motivation letter, CV, English language proficiency and grade point average (GPA). It is possible to meet the desired criteria and still not receive a place in the summer school due to the high level of competition for places. The selection committee will aim for an even distribution of participants across all alliance members. We can offer 30 places. Students will receive their confirmation letters by the end of May.

The summer school is free of charge and comes with a travel grant. Your university will cover your travel expenses and pay for accommodation for the duration of your stay (5 days). Successful applicants are asked to organize accommodation for themselves, Humboldt will provide a list of recommendations for our Berlin-based program. Please contact us by e-mail if you have any questions regarding the application procedure.

* If you cannot make it to the final session, we’ll find an alternative solution for you to complete the school.

** Please note that for the purpose of selecting summer school participants we intend to disclose your personal data (name, semester, letter of motivation, grade point average) to our Circle U. partner universities (Aarhus Universitet, Univerzitet u Beogradu, King’s College London, Université catholique de Louvain, Universitetet i Oslo, Université Paris Cité, Universität Wien, Universitá die Pisa).

*** Since the ongoing pandemic situation is highly dynamic it may lead to changes at short notice. Therefore, please note we might have to reschedule or conduct the summer school in a virtual format.