The iCULTURE Project is launching a virtual Summer School dedicated to university students interested in the role of macroalgae within the circular bioeconomy. The Summer School is organised by the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab at the Technical University of Crete.

The programme will take place from 18 to 27 May 2026, in an online format, with daily sessions from 14:00 to 16:00 CEST. It is open to BSc, MSc and PhD students from relevant disciplines.

ABOUT THE SUMMER SCHOOL
The Summer School “Macroalgae biorefineries in the circular bioeconomy: technologies, innovation and sustainability” aims to provide an integrated and interdisciplinary overview of sustainable macroalgae biorefineries, combining scientific, technological and sustainability perspectives within the framework of the circular bioeconomy.

The programme is structured across different thematic areas:

• Macroalgae as a renewable biomass resource, including cultivation systems, harvesting strategies, and supply chain considerations.
• Conversion technologies and product pathways, from biochemical and thermochemical processes to high-value compounds and bio-based materials.
• Emerging bioprocess innovations, including advances in enzyme engineering and microbial cell factories.
• Sustainability and systems assessment, with emphasis on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), environmental performance, and techno-economic and policy dimensions.
• Future perspectives and science communication, addressing scale-up challenges and effective dissemination of research in sustainability-driven innovation.

The Summer School will feature 10 lectures delivered by leading experts from academia, industry and business, providing both theoretical foundations and applied perspectives.

Have a look at the agenda for details on topics, speakers, times and dates!

WHY PARTICIPATE
Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Acquire advanced knowledge on macroalgae-based biorefineries
• Understand the full value chain, from biomass production to end products
• Explore real-world applications and case studies
• Develop interdisciplinary competences relevant to the bioeconomy and circular economy
• Engage with an international network of researchers and practitioners

HOW TO APPLY
Applications are open until 10 May 2026. Participation is free of charge and requires registration via this form.
At the end of the Summer School, participants will receive a certificate of participation.

For any questions or additional information, please feel free to reach out to cnikoloudakis@tuc.gr .