From Lab to Life:
Materiomics Summer School at Hasselt University
Campus Diepenbeek, Hasselt University, Belgium
- News
From 7 to 9 July 2025, Hasselt University once again opened its doors to international students for the second edition of the Materiomics Summer School, themed “Innovative Materials: From Healthcare Across Quantum to Sustainable Technologies“. This engaging and multidisciplinary programme, endorsed by EURECA-PRO, took place at Campus Diepenbeek.
Geared toward 2nd and 3rd year bachelor students in (bio)chemistry, physics, materials science and (bio)engineering, the summer school offered an exciting mix of lectures, lab sessions, excursions, and networking opportunities, all revolving around the future of materials science.
Key details
A Summer School that surprised and inspired
Participants from across Europe – Greece, Poland, the Netherlands and beyond – gathered in Hasselt for a programme that exceeded expectations. “I didn’t expect it to be on such a high professional level”, admitted Mateusz Spalek, a master’s student in applied biotechnology at Silesian University of Technology (SUT). His Greek counterpart, Sofia Panagaki, currently finishing her second year of chemical and environmental engineering at the Technical University of Crete (TUC), was equally enthusiastic: “The curriculum really piqued my interest. It introduced me to topics I hadn’t yet encountered in my home university”.
Thematic days were devoted to Health, Quantum & Circularity, and Energy, offering students a wide-ranging view of pioneering research in materials science. Sessions ranged from AI applications to sustainable plastic solutions, quantum sensing, and bio-inks.
Sofia was particularly inspired by the lecture on porous electrode engineering by Prof. Momo Safari, and by Prof. Louis Pitet’s insights into the plastic pollution crisis, both of which directly tied into her interests in sustainability and environmental impact.
Mateusz noted the engaging presentation style of speakers and appreciated how even complex topics like quantum technologies became accessible and thought-provoking.
Labs, posters and hands-on learning
A highlight for many was the practical session on biomaterials. “The lab conditions were pristine,” Sofia shared. “It was amazing to experience how a lab operates outside of Greece. Our supervisor encouraged questions and really made us feel supported”.
Although the experiment itself had to be wrapped up before results were finalised, students appreciated the hands-on approach and the chance to work with advanced equipment. For many, it was also an eye-opener into how applied research is conducted in a different academic context.
The third day’s poster session offered students the chance to interact with PhD researchers. “It was eye-opening,” Sofia added. “Talking to PhD students from different countries made me realise pursuing a doctorate abroad isn’t as daunting as it seems.”
Beyond the classroom
The summer school also made room for fun and informal exchanges. From barbecues and pasta lunches to city walks and board games at the hostel, the social activities were a key part of the experience. “It helped us bond,” Mateusz said. “Being in the same hostel made it easier to connect in the evenings”.
The Greek group’s small but memorable towel mishap upon arrival became a running joke and a memorable anecdote: the students arrived at the hostel only to discover that towels had to be reserved separately, a detail that obviously wasn’t widely known, leading to some confusion, a lot of laughter, and, thankfully, a quick resolution by the UHasselt team.
The city tour of Hasselt also stood out, offering cultural insights and surprising chemistry trivia, much to Sofia’s delight. One of the guides during the city walk was Joline Van Even, a UHasselt student who participated in the Materiomics Summer School herself the previous year. Now enrolled in the Master of Materiomics, she felt it was important for international participants to connect with local students and exchange experiences. “It was interesting to see how cultural differences come to light,” she said, “even in something as everyday as student housing.”
For Joline, the Summer School was a turning point: while she already had an interest in materials science, the week-long programme gave her deeper insight into the hands-on research being done and how she could contribute to it in the future. That experience helped her make the decision to pursue the master’s degree. And, of course, she also appreciated the opportunity to spend a week in an international setting.
UHasselt & EURECA-PRO: creating opportunities across borders
Both Sofia and Mateusz highlighted how important the support from EURECA-PRO and their home universities was in making this experience possible. “Our flights and accommodation were covered,” Sofia explained. “Without that, it wouldn’t have been feasible for all seven of us from Crete to attend.”
The experience also left both students considering Hasselt as a destination for future studies. “I learned about the Materiomics master’s programme (in Dutch) through this event,” said Sofia. “I’m also seriously considering a PhD in Belgium now.”
Encouragement to future participants
Asked what advice they would give to students unsure about joining an international event like this, Sofia replied, “Don’t be afraid of the unknown. We’re all joined by science in the end, and this kind of experience inspires you to pursue your own path.”
- “Especially for students who might be more introverted, it’s worth taking that first step. You’ll gain not just knowledge, but confidence. Ask questions, talk to people, get involved. It’s all part of the learning.”
Mateusz Spalek,
Silesian University of Technology
More details
When asked to summarise the summer school in a few words or a metaphor, Sofia offered “hospitality and discovery”. Mateusz contributed a Polish proverb: “Fear has big eyes”, meaning that the unknown is often more intimidating in thought than in reality. “Once you break through it,” he said, “you discover how worthwhile it really is.”
Want to see the full programme and further information? Head over to the Hasselt University page:
