Emerging Trends and Innovations in Life Sciences:
From Molecular Detection to Societal Well-Being

Objectives and Description

The summer school Emerging Trends and Innovations in Life Sciences: From Molecular Detection to Societal Well-Being aims to bring together students, young researchers, academics, and professionals interested in the rapidly evolving field of Life Sciences. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the program explores contemporary advances in health sciences, biotechnology, analytical methods, nutrition, environmental sustainability, neuroscience, functional foods, and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare and research.

• Participants will gain insight into innovative scientific methodologies and emerging technologies, ranging from molecular detection and (bio)sensors to sustainable health solutions and bioactive compounds with societal impact.
• By connecting science with real-world challenges, the program seeks to promote innovation, interdisciplinary education, and the development of future-oriented solutions that contribute to human health, environmental sustainability, and overall societal well-being.
• The summer school combines theoretical lectures, practical applications, and interactive discussions designed to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific curiosity. These activities will strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, discussion and oral communication skills.
• Students will be encouraged to actively participate in class discussions through lectures by internationally recognised professors.
• Students will benefit from interaction with colleagues from other European and non-European universities and make connections that could lead to future professional collaborations.
• Students will receive a participation diploma upon fulfilling the summer school requirements (attendance at lectures and laboratory classes, specific presentations in oral or poster format).
• Development of didactic materials in video/audio format will be added to a common platform to ensure communication between partners and dissemination of activities and information about the summer school.

Language of instruction and requirements – English

Topics

• Mycotoxins and health effects
• How masticatory function improves neurons and cognition
• The state of sustainability on our planet
• Role of CoQ10 and mtDNA variants in muscle symptoms of HF patients
• Advanced methods of monitoring wastewater in small-scale environments
• A scientific journey of edible flowers application for functional bakery products development
• Extraction of bioactivities from invasive plants
• Alga Sun protective compounds
• Ageing and neurodegeneration. Is it inevitable?
• Ocitocine. Friends, or lovers?
• Nutrition and dental care
• Posture and AI 
• Selective analytical tools for the detection of food contaminants based on enzyme inhibition
• Oats: a still-debated ingredient for gluten-free products 
• Classic and novel microbial determination methods in life sciences
• Electrophoresis – from basic applications to proteomics
• Advanced biofunctional coatings
• Electrochemical sensing of methylxanthine alkaloids in foods and pharmaceuticals
• Nutritional potential of marine biomass
• Functional bakery products
• Interprofessional education in health sciences: good practices and opportunities in science promotion
• Healthier style of life consensus for surveys