Nanochemistry Camp 2026

DESCRIPTION

The I.S.E.O. Institute, the University of Brescia and the University of the Sacred Heart of Brescia are partnering to promote the 3rd edition of the Doctoral Nanochemistry Camp, an international summer school aimed at master’s and doctoral students in chemistry and allied fields, where nanochemistry plays a key role.
The course delivers top-tier, cutting-edge insights on pivotal topics in nanochemistry, by featuring an original and innovative format that brings together students and globally renowned experts in (nano)chemistry, including Nobel Laureates, in a comfortable and informal environment at one of the most beautiful campsites overlooking Lake Iseo.

The first confirmed speakers are:

• Jean-Pierre SAUVAGE – Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2016; Emeritus professor, University of Strasbourg;
• Timothy CRAGGS – Senior lecturer of Biological Chemistry, University of Sheffield;
• Silvia GIORDANI – Professor of Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University;
• Barbara HISSA – Managing Editor, Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology;
• Oldamur HOLLÓCZKI – Professor of Chemistry, University of Debrecen;
• Aitor MUGARZA ESPELETA – Research Professor and Group Leader, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology;
• Gianfranco PACCHIONI – Professor of Chemistry, University of Milano-Bicocca;
• María SANCHO ALBERO – Researcher, Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragón, University of Zaragoza.

FORMAT

The educational program includes 3-hour classes with each professor, consisting of about 1.5 hours of lecture followed by an equal amount of time for discussion. Additionally, the program incorporates community-building activities where students have the opportunity to engage with professors and each other regarding their research activities and future projects. To promote this interaction, poster pitch presentations, team-building activities, trekking and responsible tourism outings are scheduled.

CONTENTS

Nanochemistry deals with the fundamental aspects of nanotechnology, straddling the boundaries of physics, chemistry and biology. Nanotechnology is the science and technology of objects that have an intermediate size between larger molecules and the smallest structures we are currently able to manufacture; it is the science of objects with dimensions ranging from a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers (1 nm is one billionth of a meter).
Nanochemistry has profound implications, encompassing both technological advancements and sustainable development. For instance, it has diverse effects on society, particularly in the electronics and energy sectors, resulting in the creation of compact, efficient devices and the advancement of battery technologies. Moreover, it has revolutionized medicine by facilitating targeted drug delivery and early disease detection through highly sensitive sensors. Additionally, nanochemistry significantly contributes to environmental sustainability by aiding in the removal of pollutants from water and air purification, as well as reducing resource consumption and environmental impact in material production.

APPLICATION

In order to be eligible for the Nanochemistry Camp, applicants shall be Master’s and doctoral students and young post-doctoral researchers.

Admission is subject to selection by the scientific board based on the abstract of the scientific contribution, motivation letter and CV.

Candidates should submit their application using the form below by 19th July 2026. A copy of following documents (mandatory) is required:

• CV
• A personal picture
• An abstract of the scientific research (max one page)

Early application is highly encouraged since enrolment is limited.

FEE & SCHOLARSHIP

The Doctoral Nanochemistry Camp’s fee amounts to 2.400 Euro: however, we award talented students partial scholarships amounting to 1.300 Euro (each), so that the fee can be reduced to 1.100 Euro.

Please note that full scholarships are generally not available.

The fee, which must be paid via bank transfer by 16th August 2026, includes:

• Participation to all the lectures organized during the Camp;
• Attendance certificate (hard copy);
• 7 nights accommodation in Exclusive mobile homes at the 5-star camping Campeggio del Sole (19th – 26th September 2026);
• 7 days full board treatment (breakfasts, lunches and dinners included) at the Camping and in other typical Italian restaurants and pizzerias);
• Participation to the gala dinner with speakers, sponsors and local institutions;
• Participation to leisure time activities (i.e.: wine tasting, kayak, guided tours);
• Participation to local trips;
• Local transportation within the area.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is provided at the 5-star camping Campeggio del Sole, one the most beautiful camping in Iseo, completely surrounded by greenery and overlooking Lake Iseo.
Participants will be accommodated in Exclusive mobile homes, each of them accommodating a total of 4 participants in 2 different (shared) twin rooms.
Exclusive mobile homes are a modern version of a mobile home with large windows to make the space brighter, a covered wooden terrace to allow great liveability of the outdoor space.
Numerous comforts inside: two bathrooms (one of which with a large shower), air conditioning, large refrigerator, microwave, espresso coffee machine.
Participants wishing to stay in single rooms can request to be accommodated in Exclusive mobile homes with reduced occupancy, each of them accommodating a total of 2 participants staying in single rooms. The mobile home is gifted with two bathrooms: however, please note that only one of them has a shower. Only a restricted number of single rooms is available, upon request: an extra charge is required.

SCIENTIFIC BOARD

• Paolo Bergese, University of Brescia (director)
• Víctor Sebastián Cabeza, University of Zaragoza
• Laura Eleonora Depero, University of Brescia
• Claudio Giannetti, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Brescia
• Luigi Ermenegildo Sangaletti, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Brescia

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

• Sara Venchiarutti, Head of Secretariat Fondazione I.S.E.O.
• Alessia Barbieri, Secretariat Fondazione I.S.E.O.
• Cecilia Giabini, Secretariat Fondazione I.S.E.O.

INFO & CONTACT

For any issue, please feel free to contact us at nanochemistry@istiseo.org