The Global Development Summer School is a collaboration between ETH for Development (ETH4D) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. It provides students and young researchers the opportunity to develop and test solutions for real-​world challenges. Students will work in interdisciplinary and multi-​national teams. In addition to acquiring theoretical knowledge, a premium is placed on real-​life implementation and case studies.

The Global Development Summer School is a Science in Perspective course, and open to Bachelor, Master and Doctoral students from KNUST and ETH Zurich as well as recent graduates of these universities (up to 5 years since graduation).

Summer School 2023: Sustainable Mobility

Programme Date: 1 – 16 September 2023

Location: KNUST Campus, Kumasi, Ghana.

This year's Summer School will focus on the topic of sustainable mobility management in a global context. Through a series of lectures, discussions with experts, site visits, community engagement and design thinking exercises, you will have the opportunity to develop and test your creative solutions to identified mobility challenges while working with like-​minded students, researchers and practitioners from Ghana and Switzerland who are at the forefront of developing and implementing global mobility solutions.

Curriculum

The programme is built upon four main foundations. A Series of Lectures establishes the theoretical framework of the programme. The Knowledge Fair puts the students in touch with some of the most forward-​thinking researchers and practitioners in Ghana and Switzerland for valuable inputs to challenge and further develop their ideas. Fieldwork and Site Visits give students an opportunity to engage directly with local activists, start-​ups and mobility networks and systems managers in the Kumasi metropolitan area, using the city as living laboratories for study. The Prototyping Workshops follow the design thinking process at the core of the programme and hone fundamental fabrication skills, empowering students to craft their own design solutions. Working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams, students develop a project from design conception to prototyping, and present the concept note and final results of their work consecutively at the beginning and end of the programme to their peers, experts and guest judges.

Why should I join?

• Identify and explore the major discussions around sustainable global mobility management and circular economy
• Acquire methodological competence as you develop a project that spans from concept to prototype
• Develop interdisciplinary and multicultural competences as you experience how to work effectively in teams
• Connect with a global network of highly motivated students, faculty and practitioners
• Have fun with new faces

Please note:

• Applications are competitive 
• Participation is limited  

Eligibility

Join as a Participant

The Global Development Summer School “Sustainable Mobility” is aimed at Bachelor, Master and Doctoral students of KNUST, Ghana, and ETH Zurich as well as recent graduates of these universities (up to 5 years since graduation) from all backgrounds and disciplines. No prior experience in mobility is necessary. Applicants will be evaluated on their academic strength, creativity, technical-​related expertise, and dedication to contribute to solving the world's most pressing challenges.

Application Requirements for Participants

• Currently enrolled as Bachelor, Master or Doctoral student of KNUST, Ghana, or Swiss universities or a recent graduate of these universities (up to 5 years since graduation).
• Completed https://forms.gle/SahuPrWogPgpu3rp6
• Statement of motivation detailing how you can contribute to solving pressing mobility challenges
• Curriculum Vitae
• High resolution passport size photograph (in PNG, JPEG, JPG format only)
• Personal profile in a maximum of 100 words providing the following information:
  1) your name, programme of study and university
  2) why you think the topic of “Sustainable Mobility” is relevant now
  3) what you expect to take home from the interdisciplinary and intercultural process of this summer school

Join as a Tutor

Tutors oversee the fast-​paced process of one student team from the development of ideas to the presentation of results. Through targeted intervention and moderation, tutors assist the participants to build on each other’s skills and expertise. The tutor role is key to the success of each team and of the whole programme.

Application Requirements for Tutors

• Currently enrolled as Master or Doctoral student of KNUST, Ghana, or ETH Zurich or a recent graduate of these universities (up to 5 years since graduation).
• Completed external page https://forms.gle/UcUkkM8tMfEvLKsQA
• Statement of motivation
• Curriculum Vitae
• High resolution passport size photograph (in PNG, JPEG, JPG format only)
• Personal profile in a maximum of 100 words providing the following information:
  1) your name, programme of study and university
  2) how you can contribute to the programme
  3) what you expect to take home from the interdisciplinary and intercultural process of this summer school

Course Dates

Tutor Training

Date: 25 – 31 August 2023
Location: KNUST Campus, Kumasi, Ghana

Summer School

Date: 1 – 16 September 2023
Location: KNUST Campus, Kumasi, Ghana 

Fees

Selected applicants will be required to pay a non-​refundable participation fee of GHS 750.00 as a contribution to the programme costs. The programme will cover the costs of accommodation, full board meals, travel to excursion sites, and other scheduled activities during the programme.

Participation is free for tutors.