Biotech: Where Biology Meets Technology

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Summer School: “Biotech in Brussels: where biology meets technology” will run across 2 weeks in August 2023, from 14 August till 25 August. The Summer School will have ample time to immerse the participants into state-of-the-art biotechnology-related research and developments. It is aimed at BA students with a background in biology, chemistry, biotechnology or biomedical sciences and with an interest in topics such as cancer research, synthetic biology, structural biology, plant genetics, microbial biotechnology, and research valorisation.

You will be immersed in the VUB's multidisciplinary and international research environment which has an excellent reputation in training and research in molecular biology and biotechnology. Inspiring lectures from VUB professors, but also from international guest speakers, will be combined with hands-on workshops in state-of-the-art laboratories of the "Structural Biology Brussels", "Microbiology" and "Cellular and Molecular Immunology" research groups. During the first week, you will go on a fascinating journey starting from the molecular level with a focus on proteins, to the cellular level with a focus on the engineering of plants or microorganisms for use as cell factories, and on disease. Unique topics will be covered, such as the use of fungi for the creation of sustainable biomaterials to nanobodies, a unique class of camel antibodies with far-reaching applications in biotechnology and medicine. During the second week, you will be able to take a close look behind the scenes of a research laboratory and follow a researcher closely during his/her research project, a unique opportunity for bachelor-level students.
Students from a university within the EUTOPIA network will receive a discount. A minimum of three slots are reserved for selected EUTOPIA students (more info on our website)

Course leader

Professor Eveline Peeters

Target group

BA students with a background in biology, chemistry, biotechnology or biomedical sciences

Course aim

To give BA students a taster of what biotechnology is, what the possibilities are in terms study, research and application. The course aims to provide a broad introduction to a very diverse range of themes in medical and non-medical biotechnology during the first week, with a deep focus on a selected topic during the second week.

Fee info

EUR 1100: Two-week summer school fees with NO accommodation - includes tuition fees, as well as all lunches on 'school days', two group dinners, materials, and some activities
EUR 2400: Two-week summer school fees with SHARED accommodation is 1900 euros and includes tuition fees, as well as all lunches on 'school days', two group dinners, materials, and some activities. Breakfast is included with the hotel option. Shared room is based on gender.
Two-week summer school fees as above but with SINGLE accommodation at 2400 euros. Breakfast is included.

Scholarships

No scholarships are available for this summer school