MELiSSA Summer University (6th edition)
Naples, Italy | 7–9 September 2026
Organised by: University of Naples Federico II - Department of Agricultural sciences, European Space Agency & MELiSSA Partners.
The event is supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), MEG Science (Milan, Italy, https://www.megscience.com), Evja srl (Naples, Italy, https://evja.eu)
About the MELiSSA Summer University
Led by the University of Naples Federico II, the MELiSSA partners and the MELiSSA Foundation, in partnership with ESA, are pleased to announce the MELiSSA Summer University (MSU), to be held at the Royal Palace of Portici (Naples, Italy).
The MSU brings together PhD students and early-career researchers working at the frontiers of closed-loop life support systems, circular bioeconomy, and space systems biology.
Set against the backdrop of one of Europe's most vibrant scientific and cultural cities, this edition continues the tradition of intensive interdisciplinary exchange that has defined previous MSU editions.
Topics covered include: Life support systems, microorganisms and controlled environments, Space biology, Space System Engineering, Modelling and control, Circular economy and resource recovery.
The program can be downloaded here.
Working language: English
Call for Applications – MELiSSA Summer University
The application should include:·
- Full name, affiliation, position, and highest academic degree·
- A short CV·
- A motivation letter (required for non-MELiSSA POMPers)
Applications forms can be downloaded here and must be sent to: applications@melissafoundation.org
Registration Fee
€100 per participant
The registration fee covers:·
- Full access to the MELiSSA Summer University programme (7–9 September)
- All lunches during the event and the social dinnerCoffee breaks
Key Deadlines
Milestone
| Milestone | Deadline |
| Application for MELiSSA Summer University | June 15, 2026 |
| Notification of acceptance | June 30, 2026 |
| Registration & payment | July 15, 2026 |
ESA Academy scholarship
ESA Academy Office is pleased to sponsor up to 5 tertiary education students to attend MELISSA Summer University in the frame of the ESA Academy Short Course Scholarship programme. The scholarship covers:
- the registration fees (directly paid by ESA Education Office);
- up to EUR 350 for travel;
- up to EUR 300 for accommodation (up to 4 nights).
Reimbursements will be made via a single bank transfer after the course, upon submission of receipts. To be eligible for an ESA Academy Short Course Scholarship, students must fulfil the following criteria at the time of application:
- be minimum 18 years old at the time of the short course;
- be a citizen of an ESA Member State, Associate Member, or Canada;·
- be enrolled as a student (Master, Doctorate) in a tertiary education academic programme (not graduating before the short course);
- not be able to attend the course through their academic programme;
- not benefit from an overlapping financial support to attend this short course, unless duly justified;
- attend the entire short course;
- agree with the conditions of the ESA Academy’s Privacy Policy.
Priority will be given to students who have less than 2 years of professional experience and have never taken part in an activity sponsored by the ESA Education Office. The deadline for applications is July 15th 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Selected students will receive an application form. The decision by the Selection Committee will be communicated by a date to be announced. ESA is committed to achieving diversity and creating an inclusive environment. To this end, applications from all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, social origin, or other characteristics are welcome.
Contact MELiSSA Foundation info@melissafoundation.org