ESERA Doctoral School 2026

49 students will be selected, based on a review of their proposals, and considering a diversity of countries and fields of interest in science education. The ESERA Doctoral School offers a number of possibilities to meet and discuss research in small supportive groups and with mentors, in addition to workshops provided by experienced science education researchers at different career stages. 

We also invite academics, who are ESERA members and would like to contribute to the Doctoral School as reviewers, to submit their applications. In addition, 14 mentors will be selected to accompany the PhD students during their stay in Luxembourg. 

This edition of the ESERA Doctoral School is organised by the SciTeach Center team, located at the University of Luxembourg. The SciTeach Center is a resource space that promotes science education at primary school levels in Luxembourg. The Doctoral School is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Christina Siry, Dr. Sara Wilmes, and Dr. Sergei Glotov together with an organising committee including university researchers, administrative and IT support. 

Apply

STUDENTS must complete their application through the Oxford Abstracts platform. During this process, they are required to provide personal details, information about their institution, research area, interests, etc. At the end of the process, they must upload two files containing a synopsis of their PhD study, organized into the following sections: Focus of the Study, Theoretical Framework, Research Questions, Research Methods, Preliminary Findings, and References. 

The first file is a blind research synopsis, which will be used in the peer review process (maximum length: 1800 words, including references). The second file is the authored synopsis (maximum length: 2,000 words, including references). All formatting and structural guidelines for these synopses are specified at the end of each template. Both files, along with the other required information, must be uploaded to the Oxford Abstracts platform. 

ACADEMICS interested in collaborating are asked to complete a simple Google Form to provide information on their experience, areas of expertise, previous participation in ESERA Summer Schools, etc. Collaboration from the science education community is strongly encouraged, particularly for those willing to serve as Reviewers of PhD student applications.

In addition, academics may apply for roles as Mentors (to work with a group of seven PhD students and provide feedback on posters), Workshop Leaders (1.5-hour interactive sessions), and Open Discussion Moderators (informal discussions on science education topics). To participate in any of these three roles in Summer School with ESERA funding, academics must also agree to serve as Reviewers of PhD students’ proposals.

The selection of Reviewers will be managed by the organizing committee.

The selection of Mentors, Workshop Providers, and Open Discussion Moderators will be managed by the ESERA Executive Board.

Application Process

While writing your research synopsis, bear in mind that it will be reviewed based on the following criteria: 

•     Clarity of research questions and research design. 

•     Appropriate use of a theoretical framework. 

•     Presentation of some early data and initial suggestions about data analysis. 

•     Coherence and clarity of the synopsis as a piece of academic writing. 

•    Attention to conventions of academic writing within the synopsis (e.g. appropriate referencing). 

Participants at the ESERA Doctoral School should be in the middle of their PhD studies to be able to benefit from consideration of their future work as well as to discuss any preliminary findings. Participants are expected to be(come) members of ESERA if they are selected for attendance at the Doctoral School in order to register for the event. 

It is expected that each mentor group will have one virtual meeting in the weeks before the start of the Doctoral School with the aim of clarifying the working method during the mentor group meetings, getting to know each other and acquiring an overview of the research that will be presented and discussed in the mentor group. 

The selected 49 PhD students will be divided into seven groups. Each group will consist of seven PhD students and two science education academics acting as Mentors. During each mentor group meeting at the Doctoral School, one of the PhD students will present their research to the group in about half an hour, followed by a structured group discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the research presented. 

Each PhD student is also expected to present their research by means of a poster. During the poster sessions everyone discusses their work with all interested Doctoral School participants. Moreover, participants will also get feedback on their poster from science education academics. 

Key Dates

Timeline for Application 

• Submission opens: December 1, 2025 

• Submission closes: January 15, 2026 

• Review process: January 30 to February 28, 2026 

• Announcement of results: mid-March, 2026 

Organization

Members of the organising committee:  

Prof. Dr. Christina Siry, Head of Department of Education and Social Work 

Dr. Sara Wilmes, Research scientist, SciTeach Center Coordinator  

Dr. Sergei Glotov, Post-doctoral researcher 

Dr. Kerstin te Heesen, Research scientist 

Daniela Bertoli, Doctoral researcher 

Melanie Jorge Canelas, Doctoral researcher 

Doriana Sportelli, Doctoral researcher 

Maria Ounik, Administrative support 

For questions contact: esera.summerschool26@uni.lu 

Practical information

Contact

• esera.summerschool26@uni.lu