Unite! Research School 2026
Inspiring the Next Generation of European Engineers
2026/02/19
From 11 to 15 May 2026, more than 200 master’s students, PhD candidates, researchers, professors and administrative staff will gather with industry representatives, for interactive sessions and engaging lectures for the third edition of the Unite! Research School (URS).
This edition is organised by Politecnico di Torino and the school will start and conclude at PoliTO main campus, while the key courses and activities will be held at the Santuario di Oropa, an inspiring venue located in the heart of the Alps.
The 2026 URS will focus on three major thematic pillars:
- Digital Transition, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Industry 4.0
- Energetic Transition, with a focus on Sustainable Energy, Smart Cities, and Water Management
- Enabling Technologies, with a focus on Space Technologies and Biological Engineering
“The URS is a successful tool to create a real ecosystem among students, researchers, innovators and companies within the targets promoted by European Research Area (ERA). It facilitates networking for early career researchers by involving doctoral students in an enjoyable, multidisciplinary learning experience.” – says Eugenio Brusa, scientific coordinator of the URS 2026.
The Unite! Research School offers a unique mix of scientific excellence, combining expert lectures, transferable skills courses, networking sessions, a forum with industry leaders, research facility and industrial visits, and a team case study. It is also a motivational track designed to inspire Master’s students to engage in PhD research.
What is in it for me?
For doctoral candidates:
- Deepen your knowledge about one or more of the 3 focus areas through keynote lectures and hands-on seminars offered by top scientists
- Strengthen your international network, as you meet professors, early-career researchers, Master students, and industry representatives from all over Europe
- Gain transferable skills relevant to your academic career
- (If applicable) receive 3 ECTS
For Master students:
- Deepen your knowledge about one or more of the 3 focus areas through keynote lectures and hands-on seminars offered by top scientists
- Strengthen your international network, as you meet professors, early-career researchers, Master students, and industry representatives from all over Europe
- Gain knowledge about what it means to pursue a research career — make up your mind about doing a PhD after your Master’s degree
- Receive 3 ECTS
Strong involvement from industry partners
As in the previous editions, companies are playing a central role in the URS 2026. Leading companies will engage with students through keynotes, panel discussions, and company visits, providing a first-hand insight into real-world engineering challenges.
Follow the week with #URS2026
Registration and Application
TU Darmstadt is looking for up to 10 doctoral candidates and up to 5 ambitious Master students to represent our university at the Unite! Research School.
For selected participants all costs associated with the Unite! Research School will be covered (travel + hotel + food at the venue). The deadline for registration is 15 March 2026 (end of day).
Registration does not equal participation! TU Darmstadt will select the most promising candidates 3based on the following criteria:
- Motivation
- Academic Excellence / Relevance of Research Area (for Master students / PhD candidates respectively)
- English proficiency
- Balance between 3 focus areas
Please note that the Unite! Research School is a Blended Intensive Programme (bearing 3 ECTS) which requires 2-3 days of online work prior to the in-person event!
