IISER Kolkata Summer School 2026 (ISKool) | Apply for Frontier Science Learning Experience

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata) has officially announced the IISER Kolkata Summer School 2026 (ISKool), a flagship academic initiative created to provide students with an immersive scientific learning experience through research exposure, practical experimentation, and interdisciplinary scientific exploration.

Designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, ISKool aims to bridge classroom education with real-world scientific discovery by offering access to modern laboratories, faculty mentoring, and advanced scientific methods used in contemporary research environments.

The summer school encourages participants to explore frontier scientific themes while developing analytical thinking, technical skills, and research capabilities.

Program Overview

Program Name: IISER Kolkata Summer School 2026 (ISKool)

Host Institution: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata)

Program Type: Summer School / Academic Training Program

Program Theme: Global Summer Learning Experience in Frontier Science

Mode: Offline / On-Campus

Location: IISER Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Target Participants: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students

Program Objectives

The program focuses on:

• Introducing students to modern scientific research practices
• Providing practical exposure to laboratory experimentation
• Developing interdisciplinary scientific understanding
• Building computational and analytical capabilities
• Encouraging future careers in science and research

Summer 2026 Specialized Tracks

Track 1
Molecules to Materials: Monomer Design and Advanced Polymer Synthesis

Duration: 09 June 2026 – 15 June 2026 (7 Days)

Venue: Department of Chemical Sciences, IISER Kolkata

Course Coordinators:
Prof. Raja Shunmugam
Prof. Suman De Sarkar

Core Coverage:

• Monomer Design
• Advanced Polymer Synthesis
• Materials Development
• Experimental Chemical Sciences
• Scientific Laboratory Techniques

Track 2
Micro and Nanoplastic Analysis of Environmental and Industrial Samples: Sampling, Processing and Identification

Duration: 20 July 2026 – 24 July 2026 (5 Days)

Venue: Department of Earth Sciences – Environmental Nanoscience Laboratory, IISER Kolkata

Course Coordinator:
Prof. Gopala Krishna Darbha

Core Coverage:

• Environmental Sample Collection
• Microplastic Detection Techniques
• Nanoplastic Identification
• Sample Processing Methods
• Industrial and Environmental Analysis

Program Highlights

Participants will benefit from:

• Direct mentorship from IISER Kolkata faculty and scientists
• Practical learning through advanced laboratory infrastructure
• Exposure to computational tools and modern scientific workflows
• Interactive research discussions and collaborative learning
• Official certification after successful completion

Learning Experience

Each school maintains a limited intake of approximately 25–35 participants to ensure high-quality interaction and hands-on engagement.

Students will receive:

• Experimental demonstrations
• Guided scientific activities
• Faculty interactions
• Research exposure
• Practical scientific problem-solving experience

Selection Process

Selection may be based on:

• Academic profile
• Alignment with selected scientific track
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Supporting academic recommendations where applicable

Application Details

Interested applicants should review individual track schedules and application requirements through the official portal.

Official ISKool Portal:
https://www.iiserkol.ac.in/~iskool/index.html

Main Institution Website:
https://www.iiserkol.ac.in

PDF: https://www.iiserkol.ac.in/~iskool/pdf/2026/details_09.06.2026.pdf