CREATES Summer School

University of Cambridge CREATES Summer School, August 2026

The fully-funded inaugural Cambridge Research Experience and Advanced Training for Environmental Sciences (CREATES) Summer School will take place in Cambridge from Monday 17th to Wednesday 19th August.

The aims of the Summer School are to: 

Demonstrate the value of a PhD in environmental science for a wide range of careers
Inspire participants by showcasing innovative research
Demonstrate the skills and training on offer at Cambridge?

In meeting these aims, we will support the progression of summer school attendees to become applicants to the NERC CREATES DLA doctoral studentships, and to gain entry to and succeed in their research and studies with the University.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 (1-4.45)

12.30-1pm Arrive at the Earth Sciences Building on Downing Street, Central Cambridge

1pm Welcome and introductions

1.30pm A tour of three key areas of the department will follow.

3pm Refreshment break

3.30pm Presentation and activity

The value of a NERC PhD and the skills and training with the CREATES DLA

Supported reflection

Accompanied journey by bus to Churchill College, where you will stay overnight in single rooms (shared modern bathroom facilities)

Dinner at Churchill College Home - Churchill College

Churchill College is the largest of all the Cambridge Colleges, with a 50-acre campus in beautiful parkland grounds with libraries, dining hall, café-bar, gym, sport, arts and leisure facilities the College focuses on STEM subjects and is known for its friendly atmosphere and community.

Day 2 Morning (Tuesday 18th August)

Following breakfast, we will walk from Churchill College to the Earth Sciences building via the West Cambridge Site and “the Backs”.

You may choose to travel by bus to St Andrew’s Street (2 mins walk to Earth Sciences)

10.30am – coffee and welcome

11am – 1pm Innovative research – short presentations by academics and NERC PhD students on their research

We will be based in the Tilley Lecture theatre to hear about the innovative and recent research from academics and our doctoral students. You will have the opportunity to academic life in Cambridge.

Lunch 1- 2pm in Earth Sciences Common Room

2 - 3pm tour of Sedgewick Museum

Break

3.30 - 5 pm

A day in the life of a NERC PhD Student: Role models and “what my day looks like” (informal session with activities)

You will have the chance to meet NERC doctoral students in one of our teaching rooms, to hear about their experience and daily work as a PhD student at Cambridge as well as to ask any questions you may have.

Evening Dinner in central Cambridge with free time to explore

Make your own way back to Churchill College for overnight stay