International Summer school 2026
“Soft Multiphase Materials for Next Generation Bio-pesticides –
From Lab to Field”
13–19 September 2026 | Berlin, Germany
Explore how physics-based design of advanced soft materials can shape sustainable pest control. Join an international, interdisciplinary group of early-career researchers and leading experts for an intensive learning experience.
Why this matters
Improving the environmental sustainability of agricultural pest control is one of the key challenges of our time. Conventional pesticides are facing increasing regulatory pressure and environmental concerns, which is creating an urgent need for safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Multiphase materials offer new possibilities for designing efficient and targeted bio-pesticides. This summer school connects cutting-edge research with real-world agricultural applications, bridging the gap between laboratory science and field implementation.
What you will learn
- Physical fundamentals of multiphase materials and formulations
- Biopesticides: species, mechanisms, and biological principles
- Physics of living matter
- Interdisciplinary approaches across physics, materials science, chemistry, and biotechnology
Who should apply
This summer school is designed for advanced Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career postdoctoral researchers from the fields of Soft matter physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Agricultural Sciences, and related disciplines. Applications are welcome from around the world.
Why you should join
- Learn from leading international experts
- Gain insights into cutting-edge research and innovation
- Build an international network of peers and researchers
- Strengthen your academic and professional profile
About the program
The summer school is organized by Forschungszentrum Jülich (IBI-4 Institute) within the Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Network BIOMAC-BP, an initiative focusing on rational design of bio-sourced formulations for bio-pesticides.
The program includes:
- Classroom style lectures and scientific presentations by renowned experts
- Poster Sessions by participants
- Networking opportunities
- Leisure activities to foster professional and personal conversation
Table of Confirmed Speakers
| Formulations / Material Science | Fundamental Physics | Biological Control | Agricultural Environmental Aspects | Industrial Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isabel Capron (INRAE, France) | Berenike Meier (Universität zu Köln, Germany) | Johannes Jehle (Julius Kühn Institute, Quedlinburg) | Thomas Pütz (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany) | Andreas Stork (formerly Bayer Crop Science) |
| Saad Khan (North Carolina State University) | Rosalind Allen (Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany) | Cristina Azevedo (InnovPlantProtect) | Cristina Azevedo (InnovPlantProtect) | |
| Alexandra Machado (InnovPlantProtect) | Ana Sunčana Smith (Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany) | Alexandra Machado (InnovPlantProtect) | ||
| Christina Kurzthaler (Max Planck Institute Dresden, Germany) |
Practical information
- Date: 13–19 September 2026 (departure on 19 September; optional extension until 20 September)
- Location: Seminaris CampusHotel Berlin, Takustraße 39, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Participation fee: €700,00 including accommodation in double rooms at the event hotel and meals from 13 to 18 September, with breakfast on 19 September.
- Reduced fee: €450,00 available upon request for participants who do not need an accommodation
Further details on accommodation and logistics will be provided to selected participants.
*After applying, please send your CV, a short motivation letter and an abstract for your poster contribution to info@biomac-bp.eu.
Application deadline: 30 June 2026
Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of their abstract and fitting scientific background.
Selected participants will be notified by 15 July 2026.
*Please note that we cannot take your application into account without these documents.
