In the last centuries, humanity has fully explored and mapped the emerged fraction of Earth’s surface; today, it has a growing interest in exploring and exploiting the submerged fraction of the Earth as well as the nearby space regions, intensively. To this aim, engineers provide new powerful means (robots, underwater and space communication systems, new nano-satellite solutions); the exploration and exploitation of resources also pose problems relating to the biology of living beings. Moreover, a wide range of new issues arises, about the economic implications and legal implications.

The School aims to provide a concise overview of the relevant scientific challenges and development prospects in a unitary framework where issues of economic and environmental impact, potential conflicts and regulatory assessments are also addressed.

The Seasonal School will take a holistic approach and will introduce participants to the key technologies in a unitary framework, where the engineering role is viewed together with biological and medical issues, economic aspects and legal problems. At the end of the programme, the participants will have a comprehensive overview of the future trends in the challenging topics of space and sea exploration.

Students will find a cross-disciplinary learning environment, interacting with professors and industrial managers who are leaders in their research areas. They will also be allowed to visit the labs of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and experience the latest research approaches.

Enrollment Conditions

The course is intended for Italian or foreign university students who meet the following minimum requirements:

– To be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree (including single-cycle), a master’s diploma, in a doctoral course or in a medical specialisation course (or to have completed any of these programs no longer than 6 months before the application’s submission).

– To have a cumulative grade average corresponding to at least 27/30 for the Italian system and B for international applicants. This requirement is waived for candidates enrolled in doctoral courses or in medical specialisation courses.

– Have a self-certified proficient knowledge of English (at least B2 level).

Requirements are to be met on the date of submission of the application.

WHEN

From 19 to 23 of October, 2026

WHERE

Onsite, in Pisa

APPLICATION DEADLINE

7 September, 2026