PhD-RiSK Summer School Successfully Completed – Five Days of Science, Collaboration and International Exchange
From 11 to 15 May 2026, the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Gdańsk successfully organised the first International Summer School for Doctoral Students „Modern and Sustainable Chemical Risk Assessment and Mitigation (PhD-RiSK)”, bringing together 40 doctoral students from 12 countries to explore contemporary challenges in chemical risk assessment and sustainable environmental protection. The Summer School was implemented within the NAWA SPINAKER – Intensive International Educational Programmes (Project No. BPI/SPI/2024/1/00039), co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund Plus (2021–2027).
Designed as an intensive five-day educational programme, the Summer School provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of modern chemical risk assessment while strengthening international scientific cooperation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Conducted entirely in English, the programme combined lectures delivered by recognised experts with laboratory classes, computer workshops, field activities and networking events, creating an inspiring environment for learning, discussion and the exchange of research experiences. The Summer School programme was carefully structured to guide participants through the key aspects of contemporary chemical risk assessment, gradually moving from theoretical foundations to practical applications and innovative research approaches.
Learning Through Theory and Practice
Throughout the Summer School, participants attended lectures delivered by distinguished researchers representing various scientific disciplines related to environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, modern and sustainable technologies for risk mitigation, computational methods used for risk assessment. The programme covered topics including the environmental fate and behaviour of chemicals, ecotoxicological testing, sustainable chemical management, regulatory frameworks, advanced analytical techniques and innovative digital tools supporting chemical hazard prediction.
A defining feature of the programme was its strong emphasis on active learning and modern teaching methodologies, designed to engage participants beyond traditional lectures. Laboratory classes and computer workshops enabled doctoral researchers to apply theoretical concepts to real environmental challenges using advanced analytical instrumentation and computational tools, that allowed participants to develop practical competences directly applicable to their own research.
The Summer School also incorporated innovative educational activities that encouraged teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving. One of the highlights was the interactive „Clear Water Mission” Escape Room, where participants worked collaboratively to solve scientific challenges related to water quality, environmental contamination and risk assessment. By combining elements of gamification with scientific content, the activity promoted communication, analytical thinking and decision-making in an engaging learning environment.
Another unique component of the programme was a workshop devoted to the design and construction of low-cost air pollution sensors. During these sessions, participants explored how affordable sensing technologies can support environmental monitoring and citizen science initiatives. The workshops were complemented by an interactive visit to a LEGO® model of a sustainable city, which demonstrated how modern sensor networks, smart infrastructure and environmental monitoring systems can be integrated into urban planning to improve air quality and support sustainable development. This innovative educational approach helped participants connect laboratory-scale solutions with real-world applications in smart cities and environmental management.
By combining expert lectures with practical laboratory work, computational training, gamified learning experiences and design-based workshops, the Summer School offered an interdisciplinary educational experience that reflected contemporary approaches to doctoral education. The diverse teaching methods encouraged active participation, creativity and collaboration while equipping participants with both scientific knowledge and transferable skills essential for addressing complex environmental challenges.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
In addition to scientific training, the Summer School offered numerous opportunities for academic networking and professional development. Interactive discussion sessions, group activities, and informal meetings encouraged participants to exchange ideas, present their research, and establish collaborations across disciplines and national borders.
Social and cultural events organised throughout the week created an open and welcoming atmosphere, strengthening the international community of early-career researchers and promoting intercultural dialogue. These activities complemented the academic programme by fostering communication, teamwork, and long-term scientific partnerships.
Supporting Internationalisation of Doctoral Education
The Summer School directly contributed to the objectives of the NAWA SPINAKER programme by enhancing the international dimension of doctoral education at the University of Gdańsk. Bringing together doctoral candidates from diverse academic backgrounds enabled interdisciplinary discussions on global environmental challenges and promoted the exchange of research methodologies and good scientific practices.
As highlighted by Prof. Anna Białk-Bielińska, Project Coordinator, modern chemical risk assessment requires not only advanced scientific expertise but also international cooperation, interdisciplinary thinking, and responsibility for protecting both the environment and human health. The PhD-RiSK Summer School successfully demonstrated how intensive international education can support the development of these competences while strengthening the international visibility of the University of Gdańsk.
Looking Ahead
The successful completion of the first edition of the PhD-RiSK Summer School marks an important milestone in the implementation of the project and confirms the value of intensive international educational programmes for doctoral researchers. Participants completed 40 hours of academic activities, developed practical competences in modern and sustainable chemical risk assessment, expanded their international scientific networks, and earned a micro-credential recognising the learning outcomes achieved during the programme.
The organisers would like to thank all lecturers, invited experts and participants whose enthusiasm and engagement contributed to the success of the Summer School. The experience gained during this first edition provides a strong foundation for future international initiatives supporting excellence in doctoral education and collaborative research in the field of chemical and environmental sciences.
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