IISER Kolkata Summer School 2026 (ISKool)

A Global Summer Learning Experience in Frontier Science
Ignite your scientific curiosity at IISER Kolkata. Experience world-class labs, interdisciplinary learning, and a vibrant campus life.

Upcoming Schools

About ISKool

The IISER Kolkata Summer School (ISKool) is a flagship summer initiative designed to bring together talented undergraduate and postgraduate students from India and across the world for an immersive scientific learning experience. Hosted at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, one of India’s premier research institutions, ISKool offers intensive training in modern scientific disciplines through lectures, laboratory sessions, computational workshops, and interdisciplinary projects.


The programme is designed to provide students with an opportunity to experience cutting-edge scientific research, hands-on experimental training, and advanced computational methods under the mentorship of IISER Kolkata faculty and leading scientists.


Starting from Summer 2026, IISER Kolkata proposes to host multiple specialised summer schools spanning several scientific disciplines. Each school will run for 4–6 weeks, combining theory with hands-on research exposure, thereby creating a vibrant environment for scientific exploration and discovery.

Why ISKool?

Innovation • Research • Excellence

Focused Training

The IISER Kolkata Summer School aims to fill an important gap in scientific education by offering structured, high-quality, short-term academic programmes that provide focused training beyond conventional university curricula.


Interdisciplinary & Hands-on Research

• Direct mentorship from IISER Kolkata faculty and researchers
• Hands-on training in modern laboratories and computational facilities
• Exposure to interdisciplinary research problems
• Interaction with a global cohort of talented students
• Certification from IISER Kolkata upon successful completion

The programme will also serve as a gateway for students considering higher studies or research careers in science and technology.

Prorgamme Structure

Each ISKool programme will typically run for 4–6 weeks during June–July and will include:


Lectures and Tutorials

Participants will attend structured lectures delivered by IISER faculty and invited experts covering fundamental concepts and emerging research topics.


Laboratory and Computational Sessions

Students will engage in hands-on experiments or computational modules designed to provide practical experience with modern scientific tools and techniques.


Mini Research Projects

Participants will work in small teams on guided research projects, culminating in presentations and short reports.


Guest Lectures and Career Discussions

Renowned scientists and industry experts will deliver talks on emerging research directions, entrepreneurship, and scientific careers.

Certification & Programme Impact

Participants who successfully complete the programme requirements will receive an official IISER Kolkata Summer School Certificate.
In addition, selected project reports may be showcased on the ISKool website, providing participants with visibility for their work.


ISKool aims to create a transformative learning experience by:
• Introducing students to frontier research areas
• Building a pipeline of talented young scientists
• Strengthening IISER Kolkata’s national and global scientific outreach
• Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration among students and researchers

By bringing together motivated learners and world-class faculty, the programme aspires to become one of India’s premier summer science schools.

Academic Areas & Schools

Biological Sciences

Focus areas may include:
• Molecules to Cells
• Genetics and Evolution
• Cell Biology and Development
• Biophysics and Structural Biology

Chemical Sciences

Topics may include:
• Synthetic chemistry and materials chemistry
• Spectroscopic and analytical techniques
• Catalysis and sustainable chemistry
• Computational chemistry and molecular modelling

Participants will gain exposure to modern experimental techniques and emerging research themes in chemistry.

Physical Sciences

Focus areas may include:
• Quantum optics and photonics
• Condensed matter physics
• Experimental physics techniques
• Computational physics and simulations

Students will explore both theoretical frameworks and experimental methodologies used in contemporary physics research.

Earth Sciences

Themes may include:
• Climate science and environmental modelling
• Geophysical field methods
• Environmental data analysis
• Earth system science

Participants will learn how to analyse complex environmental systems using both field data and computational approaches.

Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

This school will focus on advanced mathematical tools such as:
• Algebraic structures and Lie groups
• Topology and geometry
• Computational mathematics
• Data-driven modelling and statistical inference

The programme will emphasise mathematical thinking and modern computational approaches.

Computational and Data Sciences

With the increasing role of data and computation in science, this school will cover:
• Machine learning for scientific applications
• High-performance computing (HPC)
• Scientific programming and modelling
• Bioinformatics and data-driven research

Participants may also gain exposure to large-scale computational resources such as IISER Kolkata’s high-performance computing infrastructure.

Campus Experience

The summer school will be conducted at the IISER Kolkata campus near Kalyani, a modern 200-acre research campus equipped with advanced laboratories, lecture halls, computing facilities, and residential hostels.


Participants will have access to:
• Modern research laboratories
• High-performance computing facilities
• Library and study spaces
• Campus hostels and dining facilities
• Recreational areas and student activity centres

The residential format encourages a vibrant academic environment where students can interact, collaborate, and exchange ideas beyond the classroom.

Director's Message

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to the IISER Kolkata Summer School — ISKool. This program reflects our institute’s deep commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and scientific excellence among young minds.

At IISER Kolkata, we believe that science begins with a question — a spark of curiosity about how nature works. ISKool has been designed precisely to ignite that spark. Over the coming days, you will interact with our faculty, participate in engaging lectures and hands-on sessions, and explore the fascinating worlds of chemical, physical, biological, mathematical, and earth sciences.

More importantly, this summer school is not only about learning established knowledge but also about learning how to think like a scientist — to ask questions, challenge assumptions, design experiments, and discover answers.

I encourage all participants to make the most of this opportunity: interact freely with mentors, collaborate with fellow students, and immerse yourselves in the joy of discovery. The friendships and ideas that emerge from programs like ISKool often shape future scientific journeys.

I congratulate the organizing team for their efforts and warmly welcome all of you to IISER Kolkata. I hope this summer school inspires many of you to pursue science with passion and purpose.

Who Can Apply?

ISKool is open to highly motivated students from India and abroad who have completed/are pursuing:


• B.Sc., B.S., B.Tech., or equivalent undergraduate programmes
• M.Sc., M.S., or equivalent postgraduate programmes
• PhD

Applicants will be selected based on:
• Academic background and performance
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters (optional)

Each school will typically host 25–35 participants, ensuring close interaction between students and faculty.


Upcoming Schools