To participate in a summer school, applicants must fill out a form and provide a motivation letter. This year, there are 10 schools, all focusing on various scientific fields. High school students can become involved in real research and even complete a study project that they’ll present at the Young Scientists’ Congress in April 2019. Winners will even get bonus points for their Unified State Exam scores when applying to ITMO University.

Young Engineer’s Summer School

May 28 – June 1

Students from grades 8-10 will use professional devices, find out about various metalworking methods, as well as learn about electronics and the ARDUINO platform. Classes are taught by the staff from the Faculty of Cryogenic Engineering.

“The main idea is for all the students to get to use modern equipment, to feel a part of the engineering industry and consider their interests. We’ll also help develop their soft skills, such as creativity, responsibility, communication and teamwork skills,” – notes Tatyana Ryabova, assistant at the Department of Thermophysics and Basics of Heat-Cooling Technology.

Young Biotechnologist’s Summer School

May 28 – June 2

School students of grades 7-11, taught by students from ITMO University, will learn about food sciences. Among the many topics are molecular cuisine, microorganisms and enzymes, alternative food sources, homemade cheese and the intricacies of ice-cream-making.

“The goal of this school is to increase consumer literacy with regards to food products. For instance, one of the classes will focus on dairy production technologies; the students will measure the ratio of beneficial microflora in fermented milk products and learn to make yoghurt at home,” – says Lyudmila Nadtochiy, head of the Department of Applied Biotechnology.

Chemistry of Light Summer School

June 18-22

Here, school students with an interest in chemistry can learn about polymers and their uses in photonics, ecology, medicine and the power industry. A series of lectures and seminars will introduce them to the capabilities of modern optical analysis methods, green power and safe polymers. Classes are held by Master’s and PhD students from the Department of IT in the Fuel and Energy Industry.

“The topics for our classes were chosen in a way that would show the relationship between chemistry and math, physics, optics and computer science. Students from our departments will report on today’s most relevant scientific challenges at the fringe of chemistry and photonics,” – says Maria Fokina, associate professor at the department.

Competitive Programming Summer School

June 1-12

High school students with experience of participating in competitions and familiar with programming languages can hone their skills in solving high-difficulty programming tasks.

“The kids will train to solve competitive-level programming tasks, which should help them do better at future events and, therefore, increase their chances of winning a competition major enough to get them into a university without entrance exams,” – explains Arina Aleksandrova, senior lab technician at the Information Systems Department.

Laser Technologies Summer School

June 25-28

Students of grades 9-11, as well as some well-performing 8th graders, preferably with a basic understanding of quantum physics and optics, can learn about the history and nature of laser technology, and new developments in the fields of laser, quantum and optic technologies.

“The lecture on color laser marking is actually prepared by the same people who develop this technology in our country. Participating in the school can give you a great deal of knowledge about physics, math, chemistry, and biology, while winning the report contest will add 4 bonus points to an applicant’s Unified State Exam score when applying to a program at ITMO,” – comments Artem Petrenko, engineer at the Department of Light Technologies and Optoelectronics.

Tech Entrepreneurship Summer School

June 4-8

Students of grades 8-10 can develop a project or bring in an existing one and learn to create a business model, present an idea to prospective partners, and work with their target audience. In four days, participants will have to form teams, come up with an innovative business and present it to an expert jury.

“The main skill you gain from taking part in this school is a basic understanding of how innovative entrepreneurship works. It should be enough to let the students decide if this is what they want to learn as part of their Bachelor’s studies,” – says Katerina Kvitko, vice dean of the Faculty of Technological Management and Innovations.

Robotics Summer School

June 18-22

Future students will learn the basic principles of robotics by creating their very own robots. Among the various topics are control systems, industrial robotics, ROS software, blockchain & smart contracts, automated drones and many more.

“In the next decade we will see a boom of robotics and autonomous systems. The speed at which products are manufactured and deals are made will multiply. In that process, humans will only decide on the vector of the system’s development without delving into details. How do robotic enterprises interact with each other? What will they do? How do they all work as one? At the school, students can learn the basic ways to find answers to these questions,” – says Aleksandr Kapitonov, assistant at the Department of Computer Science and Control Systems.

Photonics Summer School

June 13-22

10th graders with knowledge of physics and maths will learn about the latest research in areas such as quantum computer science, biomedicine, femtosecond optics, applied holography and others. Staff of the Faculty of Photonics and Optical Information will conduct lectures and workshops; students will also take a tour of ITMO University’s Museum of Optics and meet the faculty’s dean.

“Those who show initiative will be able to conduct research using the university’s resources, which should serve as a basis for their future career in science. Students at our department are able to publish their works in international journals even in their first year,” – comments Natalia Andreeva, assistant at the Department of Photonics and Optical Information Technologies.

Young Ecologist’s Summer School

June 13-16

During seminars and practical classes, students will learn about sustainable development, ecological consciousness, and take part in a lab project on water quality assessment and a seminar on life cycle assessment.

ITMO.KIDS Summer School

July 2-6

At classes held by students of ITMO University, kids can learn to make circuit boards, solder radio components, model and create details using a 3D printer, and much more.

“The school is designed to encourage practical application of skills and knowledge, which is why there will be a lot of hands-on project work. Kids will be split into five teams, each developing their own project under the supervision of our staff. These classes are intended to develop their engineering skills and their knowledge of modern production technologies,” – says Pavel Lekshin, the curator of ITMO.KIDS.