The RÅC International Summer School is a summer school on advanced materials research at large-scale X-ray and neutron facilities. The school is building on the German-Swedish Röntgen-Ångström-Cluster (RAC) and has a geographical focus around the Baltic Sea region.
Every August, the summer school offers a one-week top-class multidisciplinary program with international lecturers and tutors for master and diploma students in the final research phase of their study programs, PhD and doctoral students, as well as young postdocs, whose research is connected with the use of X-rays and/or neutrons from these most advanced research infrastructure facilities. The school emphasizes interactions and discussions among the participants and lecturers by providing a stimulating and enjoyable environment. Additionally, Tutorials are being offered at the end of each lecture day by individual lecturers for interested students.
This year’s RÅC International Summer School 2026 will be held August 16 – 23, 2026 in Varberg, Sweden
The call for application for RÅC-2026 has been opened as of 20.03.2026. Please see the announcement below for information on the school and how to apply!
RÅC International Summer School 2026
Call for Application
“Materials Science for Sustainability”
Date: August 16-23, 2026
Venue: Varbergs Stadshotell, Varberg, Sweden
Web: https://www.rac-school.org/
About the RÅC International Summer School
The RÅC International Summer School is a joint initiative by Sweden and Germany within the
collaborative framework of the Röntgen-Ångström-Cluster (RÅC). The school’s venue rotates
annually among partnering countries.
With the existing and upcoming top research facilities, such as the European XFEL or PETRA
III and upcoming PETRA IV in Germany, the European Spallation Source ESS and the MAX
IV Laboratory in Sweden, the Solaris Synchrotron in Poland, the European countries and in
particular the countries in the Baltic Sea region will significantly strengthen their analytical
research capabilities over the next decade. The RÅC International Summer School will attract
more young researchers to make use of these large-scale facilities.
Following this approach, the RÅC Summer School provides a training of the next
generation of researchers in materials and life science, who utilize neutrons and X-rays
in order to make the best use of these most-advanced research infrastructures.
The general theme of the RÅC Summer Schools is “Advanced Materials Design at X-ray
and Neutron Facilities”. Additionally, each annual Summer School takes place under a
specific focal theme on relevant topics of high importance. The focal theme of RÅC-2026 is:
„Materials Science for Sustainability”
The program structure, the topics and lectures are designed to improve a fundamental
understanding rather than focusing on pure experimental methods and techniques. The
Summer School emphasizes a stimulating learning environment with sufficient time for social
and cultural activities.
Internationally renowned experts in the relevant fields will give lectures and tutorials. Poster
sessions and student lectures are part of each Summer School. Close interaction and dialogue
among participants and lecturers will be stimulated.
ECTS: Visiting a full RÅC Summer School including the presentation of a poster will typically
earn 3 ECTS points upon agreement with your university. A personal Certificate of Participation
will be issued after the school.
The RÅC International Summer School 2026 covers lodging and full board during the school
for all participants from institutions in Germany, Sweden and other EU and EU-associated
countries (incl. Ukraine). Travel expenses for participants from institutions in Germany,
Sweden and Ukraine are covered by the Summer School. Further details regarding traveling
will be sent out upon acceptance to the school.
Invited for application are:
- qualified senior master students in the final research phase of their study programs
(master/diploma) - doctoral and PhD students
- young postdoctoral researchers
All applications will be evaluated by the RÅC-2026 Scientific Committee. The nomination of
applicants will be based on their academic accomplishments, experience in research and
education, as well as taking gender balance into account.
Applications have to include: - a CV
- a one-page motivation letter explaining
o why you would like to participate
o how this might benefit your ongoing or planned career - one brief and targeted reference letter written by your supervisor or similar authority
Deadline for application: 31 May 2026. - early application is highly recommended
- submission online via the RÅC-2026 Application Form
RÅC-2026 Organizers:
The RÅC International Summer School 2026 is organized by Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish
Research Council), SwedNess and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY. In Germany,
RÅC-2026 is supported by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
