ECO-GT Summer School at Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro in Portugal, 20–24 July 2026
Work on realistic green-tech engineering projects while you learn how to design clear, credible communication that moves international projects forward.
Key facts:
- Dates: 20–24 July 2026
- Location: Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal (www.utad.pt)
- Credits: 3 ECTS (75 hours)
- Tuition: €150 per student
Registration: https://forms.office.com/e/Xt1kvMq8wA
About the Summer School
The Engineering Communication for the Green Transition summer school brings together students from across Europe to work on realistic green-tech engineering projects, with communication treated as an integral part of the technical workflow.
In small, mixed international teams you will explore how communication is embedded in engineering practice, stakeholder processes and public engagement. You will design a technically driven communication plan and brief communities and decision-makers with evidence they can trust.
Why Communication?
As an engineer, you may spend up to 85% of your time communicating. Communication is how engineering work earns approvals, resources and trust—and how you build your career and reputation. Effective communication helps engineers to:
- Set direction and win approvals with clear plans and proposals.
- Align teams and stakeholders by explaining choices to engineers, managers, clients, regulators and the public.
- Fix issues fast through real-time checks and clear decisions.
- Reduce risk by improving safety, compliance, and handovers.
- Work internationally and keep cross-border projects on track.
Programme Structure
Online Kick-Off (from mid-May 2026)
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On-Site Week at UTAD (20–24 July 2026)
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Follow-Up Phase
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Group Project – Design Technical Communication in Global Engineering Practice
Working in small international teams, you will:
- Design a defensible communication plan for a major international engineering project.
- Map stakeholders and analyse communication requirements.
- Develop targeted outputs such as infographics, press notes or policy briefs.
- Treat communication as a design element embedded in the engineering workflow.
- Present and defend your plan to an expert panel.
Collaboration is multidisciplinary and cross-border, mirroring how real engineering projects run.
Skills Workshops
Develop targeted skills for international engineering communication with experts in:
- Technical and scientific communication
- Engineering education and project work
- International and cross-cultural collaboration
Workshops focus on stakeholder mapping, requirements analysis, internal communication, and audience-first design.
Industry & Expert Seminar
Join a seminar where academics and practitioners from green-tech companies unpack real communication requirements and challenges. You will:
- Engage in Q&A with industry and research experts
- Exchange ideas on communication for the green transition
- Build connections for future internships, theses or early-career roles
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s students in engineering, environmental science or related fields
- Students who have experience in team-based project work and are prepared for hands-on learning in an English-medium, international setting
