Call for Applications: GEO4CIVHIC Summer School 2023

GEO4CIVHIC (Most easy, efficient and Low Cost Geothermal Systems for Retrofitting Civil and Historical Buildings) is a 4-year lifespan Innovation Action project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme. The project further expands the main outcomes of the previous EU Horizon 2020 project, Cheap-GHSP, which worked to increase the inherent potentiality of shallow geothermal power systems for heating and cooling purposes. This project contributes to the promotion of sustainable development through the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, namely SDG 7, 13 and 11.4.

The selected students will have the opportunity to participate in the event in person, where they will learn about the activities of the European Project GEO4CIVHIC and have the chance to meet and work with some experts in the field of geothermal shallow energy applied to civil and historical buildings.

Objectives

The summer school for students and young scientists will explore sustainable energy technologies developed within the GEO4CIVHIC project, along with the opportunities and challenges of applying sustainable energy to residential and historical buildings. Therefore, the event is expected to fulfill the following objectives:

• Build necessary skills and facilitate knowledge transfer to the youth on renewable energy solutions, including shallow geothermal systems;
• Foster youth’s engagement in dialogues and discussions on the implementation of geothermal energy technologies by integrating the promotion of renewable energy technologies in their educational practice;
• Strengthen UNESCO’s regional network of young leaders;
• Stimulate and support innovative renewable energy initiatives by showcasing achievements of the GEO4CIVHIC project in enhancing shallow geothermal technology in built environments;
• Strengthen the dissemination of information and know-how on sustainable energy potentials in the construction field and in particular for UNESCO designated sites and cultural heritage in general.

Methodology and Programme

• The summer school is composed of 3 sessions:
  • A keynote on renewable energy and geothermal systems, and presentations from experts on geothermal systems and application of solutions;
  • Poster session with GEO4CIVHIC demonstration site managers from Europe;
  • Roundtable discussion on education and career paths and new project ideas.
• The summer school will bring the experience of GEO4CIVHIC project to the course and will discuss the various technologies developed and their practical application specifically for each demonstration site. A poster session will enhance discussion and allow students to be highly interactive and encourage them to pose questions directly to project members involved in developing each demonstration site, share comments and ideas with them exploring the best approaches to renewable energy implementation. The event envisages group activities (e.g. ice breakers and discussions) to reflect knowledge and skills obtained by students during the summer school. Lectures will include experts and project partners, selected to present a particular subject and drive discussion. The diversity of speakers will ensure overall quality and will motivate the participants to be fully engaged in discussions: the workshop will gather various renewable energy sector stakeholders, including geologists, engineers and technology experts, scientists and professionals actively operating in the implementation of shallow geothermal systems, plus UNESCO officers. The young participants, interested in energy and the environment, will be able to interact with the speakers.

Dates and Venue

• The summer school will take place on 28 September 2023 from 9:30 to 17:00 at UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Palazzo Zorzi, Venice, Italy. The summer school will be organised on the basis of a hybrid model combining on-site meeting with an online webinar.

Language

• The workshop will be delivered in English.

Eligibility Criteria

• Being in the fourth or fifth year of high school or being in the first or second year of a university Bachelor’s degree;
• Having a good level of English;
• Interest in the following subjects: Clean and renewable Energy, Geology, Sustainability, Cultural Heritage Preservation.

For more information, visit UNESCO.