The European School of Positive Impact and Responsibility (ESPOIR)
European School of Positive Impact and Responsibility (ESPOIR) is an original summer school of PSL dedicated to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ESPOIR has received the support of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Programme.
The 2022 edition will occur in Paris from July 18 to 23.
The call for applications is open until May 6, 2022.
ESPOIR aims to expose motivated students to state-of-the-art learning and innovative activities to gain a better understanding of Sustainable Development issues and EU engagement; the summer school aims to help students design effective solutions to 21st century challenges.
The summer school will offer a comprehensive training, entirely taught in English, in contact with high-level scientists.
The participants will be 25 selected students coming from different backgrounds. Participation does not require previous EU knowledge or experience; only a sincere curiosity about the SDGs.
Program
Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is recognized by the United Nations as a fundamental human right. It is one of the goals of sustainable development. The 2022 edition will be focused on SDG 6 (water and sanitation) and will address the following issues: Technical, environmental and political issues related to water.
The main causes of pollution of lakes, rivers and oceans will be presented (bacteria, micropollutants, endocrine disruptors, microplastics). The methods of water analysis and the current and future methods of water treatment will be discussed. These technical parts will be completed by a visit to a waste water treatment plant. A part of the week will also be dedicated to water policies in France and in the world.
The students will benefit from both interdisciplinary teaching combined with hands-on innovation workshops and policy dialogues. The summer school will be based on different teaching formats (conferences, visits etc.), all of which promote interactivity and the sharing of ideas.
Detailed forecast program
The summer school will take place in Central Paris, at the Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Institute, 6 rue Jean Calvin - 75005 Paris.
Challenges
Solutions
Impact assessment
EU policy-making
Applications
In 2022, PSL's European School of Positive Impact and Responsibility (ESPOIR) summer school will host 25 students.
Applicants’ profiles:
The ESPOIR summer school is intended for students (upper undergraduate and graduate) in science or engineering who show a strong interest in sustainable development.
- Minimum English level: B2 (recommended C1). All lectures, conferences and activities will be delivered in English.
- The commitment of the candidates to community service, NGO work, or to any initiative/project carried out in connection with sustainable development will be an advantage during the application process.
How to apply?
The call for applications is now open until May 6, 2022.
Admissions only by application package to provide by email at: espoir-psl@psl.eu, with the following subject:
Summer school ESPOIR 2022 - Application - Last name and first name
Contents of the application package:
- Letter of motivation. Please download the application package and fill it in English. Please remember: you have to write the personal statement detailing your personal curiosity on SDGs and motivations to follow the summer school (how does-it fit in your training program or your professional project for example). Max. 300 words per question.
- Up-to-date resume
Students may enclose any relevant English-Language certification (TOEFL, TOEIC etc.) or a proof of their English skill. Please note that the minimum level is B2 (level C1 is recommended).
FAQ:
The ESPOIR summer school will be exceptionally free for those admitted in 2022. PSL will provide scholarships for all the students selected. The rest of the expenses during the week (accommodation in Paris, meals, transportation, etc.) will be paid by the student.
The summer school will be held onsite on PSL campus with the highest standards of security.
If you need any help finding accommodation in Paris, please have a look to this leaflet. AirBnb could be the best option for this duration.
Please note: The summer school will take place in Central Paris, at the Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Institute, 6 rue Jean Calvin - 75005 Paris. (More information)
This summer school is organized in partnership with the European University EELISA (European Engineering Learning Innovation & Science Alliance).
ESPOIR Summer School objectives:
- To deliver knowledge on EU issues to students not usually exposed to these matters.
- To empower students coming from all backgrounds to become enlightened citizens and leaders of the coming European Green revolution
- To develop innovative and experimental pedagogy and have an emblematic recurring international event.
Our ambition is that students position themselves in key roles in the coming “Decade of Action” for the SDGs as promoters of sustainable development. We believe that students are called to build a sustainable Europe in line with the stakes of the Green Deal and the SDGs.
The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
