Mont Soleil 2025

In collaboration with Société Mont-Soleil and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne we organise the PhD Summer School Mont-Soleil from 11–16 August 2025 in Switzerland. The topic of the PhD Summer School is “Field-Based Insights into the Implementation of Renewable Energies“.

11.08.2025 until 16.08.2025 – Lausanne, Mont-Soleil, Biel-Bienne, Grimsel Region

Factsheet

  • Start date 11.08.2025
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  • End date 16.08.2025
  • Place Lausanne, Mont-Soleil, Biel-Bienne, Grimsel Region
  • Application deadline 31.5.2025

Five Key Highlights

The course will start at the EPFL in Lausanne and will take you to the Mont-Soleil region, the Energy Storage Center in Biel and the high alpine Grimsel region. We invite 23 excellent PhD and advanced master students from all over Europe to participate.

Production, distribution and application of renewable energies can be shown in a directly perceptible way since all adequate facilities are concentrated on and around Mont-Soleil in a unique manner. Lectures and workshops will take place in the visitor center, with top experts from internationally renowned universities as well as from industries in the field of renewable energies.

Program

11.08.2025

Energy Systems, Lausanne

12.08.2025

Photovoltaics, Mont-Soleil

13.08.2025

Hydro and Wind, Mont-Soleil

14.08.2025 Storage, Biel-Bienne
15.08.2025 Pumped Hydro, Grimsel Region
16.08.2025 High Altitude Solar, Grimsel Region

Why should you attend?

Cutting Edge Knowledge & Expert Insights

  • Learn from top researchers and industry leaders in power systems, renewable energy, and storage technologies.
  • Gain exposure to the latest innovations in energy conversion, grid integration, and sustainable power solutions.

Hands-On Experience & Exclusive Site Visits

  • Participate in lab visits, demonstrations, and excursions to real-world energy infrastructure, including PV sites, hydropower plants, and battery testing labs.
  • Get firsthand experience with energy technologies shaping the future.

Interdisciplinary Learning & Holistic Approach

  • Cover a broad spectrum of energy topics, from photovoltaics and wind power to battery storage and pumped hydro, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field.
  • Engage in discussions on technical, economic, and societal aspects of renewable energy

Networking & Career Development

  • Connect with leading academics, researchers, and industry professionals from top institutions like EPFL, ETH Zurich, and Bern University of Applied Sciences.
  • Build valuable collaborations and expand career opportunities in academia, research, and the energy sector.

Unique Learning Environment in Switzerland

  • Experience a dynamic and immersive program with field visits to innovative energy sites in picturesque Swiss locations.
  • Engage in interactive panel discussions, networking dinners, and social activities that foster collaboration and idea exchange.
  • This summer school is a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge, practical experience, and professional connections that can significantly enhance an academic and professional career in energy systems.

Application Requirements

The PhD Summer School Mont-Soleil is open to PhD and Master students interested in gaining field-based insights into renewable energy implementation.
The program is limited to 25 participants, so early application is encouraged.

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Description of Research Work (PhD, Master, or other scientific project), including:
    • Title, scientific purpose, and methodological approach
    • Start and end dates of the project
  3. Letter of Recommendation from the scientific supervisor

Deadline & SubmissionApplications must be submitted by 31st Mai 2025 via email to:

  • Moussia de Watteville, Espace découverte énergie

  • Prof. Drazen Dujic, EPFL

  • Prof. hon. Alfred Rufer, EPFL

  • Christian Ochsenbein, BFH

  • Christof Bucher, Co-chairmen, BFH