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 2024 edition will be held from August 26 to 31, in Campus Pierre Laffitte (MINES Paris-PSL), Sophia Antipolis, in Europe's largest technology park on the South-East of France.
The call for applications is open until June 30, 2024.
Presentation
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.
20 students coming from different backgrounds will be selected. Participation does not require previous knowledge or experience; only a sincere curiosity about the SDGs and renewable energy in particular.
Program
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all is one of the goals of sustainable development. The 2024 edition will focus on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and will address the following theme: Solar energy: from high-tech photovoltaics to low-tech solar cooking.
This summer school is organized three phases:
- 1 week including Saturday (42 h), in the campus Pierre Laffitte (Sophia Antipolis) with courses, outdoor practical activity, a solar cooking workshop and a visit the Regional Natural Park of Préalpes-d’Azur with different photovoltaic systems;
- 1 “homework” (8 h of autonomous work) to prepare a short oral defense per group;
- 1 day of oral sessions and feedback (20 min + 10 Q&A per group) with zoom.
The week's objectives:
- The first objective of this summer school is to present the broad spectrum of solar energy applications within the context of the low-carbon energy transition, ranging from large-scale power plants with high-tech bifacial photovoltaics on solar trackers to user-friendly low-tech solar cooking systems.
- The second objective is to introduce Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and low-tech approaches, providing methodological frameworks for understanding the various challenges associated with this wide range of solar energy applications.
- The third objective is to provide fundamental insights into understanding the solar energy resource, including terminology, magnitudes, sources of variability, observability, and conversion methods.
Additionally, workshops on solar radiation measurements and the fabrication and testing of solar cookers will be conducted, along with visits to various photovoltaic power plants in the Regional Natural Park of Préalpes d’Azur, to complement the courses in an engaging and hands-on manner.
Where? Sophia Antipolis, France | 2 ECTS credits awarded | Language: English | Tuition fees: 0€
Challenges
Solutions
Impact assessment
EU policy-making
Applications
In 2024, PSL's European School of Positive Impact and Responsibility (ESPOIR) summer school will host up to 20 students.
Applicants’ profiles:
The ESPOIR summer school is intended for students in science students at all levels (from undergraduate to PhD) who show a strong interest in sustainable development and energy transition in particular.
- 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 July 5, 2024.
Admissions only by application package to provide by email at: espoir-psl@psl.eu, with the following subject:
Summer school ESPOIR 2024 - Application - Last name First name
Contents of the application package:
- Letter of motivation. Please download the application form and fill it in English. Please remember: you have to write the personal statement detailing your personal curiosity on SDGs and SDG7 in particular and motivations to follow the summer school 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).
The ESPOIR summer school will be free (no fees). The rest of the expenses during the week (accommodation, meals, transportation, etc.) will be paid by the student. For EELISA students, if you applied and are selected to attend the event, you can inquire your local EELISA coordinators about possibilities for financial support for travel and accommodation.
The Sophia Antipolis campus has excellent public transport connections. You can look for temporary accommodation in Antibes city for instance. The bus Line n°9 will be particularly useful.
Another option is the ‘Nemea’ apartment hotel in Saint Philippe, a district of Sophia Antipolis. It's a 25-minute walk from the summer school, with all the shops you need. Mention that you are a student at Mines Paris- PSL for the summer school to get access to negotiated prices.
The summer school will host up to 20 students.
Please note: ESPOIR will be held with at least 8 participants.
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.
