From July 7 to 25, UNIgreen held its Summer School in Paris at SupBiotech, welcoming 15 students from across the world and from UNIgreen Alliance member universities — UAL, UNIMORE, and SGGW. Students were warmly received by members of the International Relations Departments and the UNIgreen Office at SupBiotech, including UNIgreen Ambassador Elizaveta Zhuvoka and UNIgreen Communications and Marketing Intern Lydie Hamza.
The three-week program, themed “One Health, Genetics, and Sustainability,” combined cutting-edge biotechnology training with rich cultural immersion. Participants gained hands-on experience with innovative laboratory techniques, explored emerging challenges in the field, and enhanced their intercultural understanding through French language courses and visits to iconic institutions such as the Musée d’Orsay and La Cité des Sciences. These experiences reflected UNIgreen’s core values of Openness, Engagement, Academic Responsibility, Innovation, Diversity, Inclusion, and Multiculturalism.
As part of the hands-on component, students visited the Imagine Institute, where they toured the sequencing platform and gained first-hand insight into genetic sequencing processes and current market applications.
The academic program was led by Dr. Patrick Gonzalez, JRC 1 Coordinator, WP3 Co-coordinator, and lead Professor of the Summer School. Dr. Gonzalez guided students through innovative methods and state-of-the-art techniques, ranging from genetic engineering to ecotoxicology, through engaging lectures and lab sessions. A special UNIgreen hybrid webinar further enriched the program: Dr. Frank Yates, Director of Research and UNIgreen Scientific Council Advisor, delivered a lecture on Stem Cells and the Future of Cell Cultures, while guest speaker Dr. Torben Osterlund, Chief Scientific Officer at PEPPER, discussed Validation in Regulatory Acceptance of NAMs.
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Student Engagement at the Heart of UNIgreen
Collaboration was central to the Summer School experience. Through group projects, knowledge exchange sessions, and presentations to academic juries, students developed teamwork skills while sharing insights with peers and professionals. These activities aligned with UNIgreen’s mission of preparing students to contribute to Europe’s strategic competitiveness and to play a leading role in the Green Transition by empowering them as future professionals and responsible citizens.
The Summer School concluded with a celebratory diploma ceremony, where participants were awarded 6 ECTS credits in recognition of their dedication and achievements. This milestone marked the culmination of three weeks of hard work, collaboration, and cultural enrichment.
UNIgreen and its member universities are proud to have hosted such an inclusive, diverse, and multicultural initiative. Heartfelt thanks go to all the students, professors, and International Relations Department, UNIgreen Office, and other organizers who made this Summer School an unforgettable experience in the City of Light.
We are looking forward to seeing you at next year’s edition!
