- EN
- ES
Summer Academy for Doctoral Students
Education
Connect with the future of supply chain research
Start date
1 June, 2026
Duration
2 weeks
Location
ZLC
Language
English
Mode
Full-time
Tuition fee
€975
Degree
MIT-Zaragoza PhD Summer Academy
What is the Summer Academy for Doctoral Students?
The PhD Summer Academy 2026 is a unique gathering for PhD students who seek to deepen their understanding of the fundamentals of research in logistics and supply chain management. This new edition brings together doctoral students from around the world to immerse themselves in a high-level learning environment within the MIT SCALE academic ecosystem.
During two intensive weeks in Zaragoza, you will experience an international atmosphere of learning, debate, and collaboration that goes far beyond the classroom: you will discover the latest trends from internationally renowned professors, exchange ideas with fellow researchers, and become part of a global community of academic excellence. The 2026 edition is designed to combine scientific rigor with a rich personal and cultural experience. Beyond the classroom, you will enjoy Zaragoza, a vibrant and welcoming city, while spending time with colleagues from diverse countries and academic backgrounds.
What makes the PhD Summer Academy unique
- You will enjoy intensive learning with training modules in key areas such as Freight Transport and Distribution, Data‑driven Optimization, Supply Chain Network Design Problems and Humanitarian & Emergency Response Logistics.
- You will learn from internationally renowned professors from the best universities in logistics and SCM research, such a University of Liverpool (UK), Technical University of Munich (Germany), Saarland University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and Northeastern University (USA).
- You will be part of an international network, sharing experiences and building connections with doctoral students and young researchers from around the world.
- You will participate in a dynamic methodology based on debates, success stories, simulations, and teamwork.
- You will obtain an MIT-Zaragoza certificate endorsed by the academic and research alliance between MIT and the University of Zaragoza.
Admission Process
Our admission process is designed to support you every step of the way and to assess your potential beyond formal requirements.
Book a call with our team
Our admissions advisers will provide you with information on all matters relating to the summer academy for doctoral students and on how to proceed with the admissions process.
Receive guidance and collect the required documents
During your admissions call, we will explain which documents you need to apply and inform you about the next steps.
Complete your online application
Once you have gathered all the required documentation, you will need to send the documents so the admissions committee can evaluate your application.
The committee will review your profile
After submitting your application, the admissions committee will review your student profile and decide whether you are eligible for the PhD program. Don’t worry, we will contact you, whether you have been admitted or not.
Reserve your place at the summer academy
Following the committee's announcement, you will have 10 working days to proceed with reserving your place. To do so, you must pay the €975 programme registration fee.
Any questions?
We are here to help
Class Profile
The PhD Summer Academy is designed for PhD students and young researchers in areas related to logistics, operations, transport, industrial engineering, automation, AI, statistics or supply chain management who want to strengthen their methodological training and enrich their research in an international collaborative environment.
This programme is for you if...
- You are working on your doctoral thesis and want to acquire new knowledge and tools to strengthen your research.
- You are looking to expand your international network and connect with academics, doctoral students and young researchers from around the world.
- You want to learn from professors at prestigious universities in a participatory environment, backed by an internationally recognised MIT-Zaragoza certificate.
Fees & Special Rates
Tuition
The tuition fee is €975 and includes all four modules, and an early‑bird discount is available until April 15, 2026. Students who only attend part of the courses, rate per module (minimum 2): 600€ .
Special Discounts
To facilitate access to this international academic experience, early payment discounts and special rates with up to 45% off tuition fees are available for students, alumni and members of partner universities.
It could be you
Zubair bin Junaid, Professor
“A rewarding experience of learning, cultural exchange, and international academic excellence.”
Rustem Abdraimov, Controller
“An inspiring experience that motivated me to keep growing professionally and academically.”
Kanshukan Rajaratnam, Faculty of Commerce
“An essential program for researchers in supply chain and operations management.”
Cai Dongjun, PhD Candidate
“The program expanded my research horizon and inspired my future academic growth.”
Lineth Rodríguez, PhD Candidate
“The MIT experience in Zaragoza exceeded all my academic and personal expectations.”
FAQs
We answer the most common questions about the summer academy and the admission process. If you have specific questions, we are here to help.
What documents do I need to apply?
- Updated CV including academic degree, a brief list of related courses taken to date (in the field of OR/IE/OM/Statistics), areas of research interest, specialisation or expertise, dissertation: title and brief description of your thesis, relevant work experience
- A letter of recommendation from someone able to assess the applicant's professional and/or academic worth (i.e. supervisor, professor)
- Statement of interest in applying for admission to the Doctoral Summer Academy explaining your specific area of academic interest (research topic you wish to work on), why you should be admitted, and what you hope to achieve through this programme. The statement should be no longer than 500 words.
What is the application deadline?
The admissions process for the next academic year is now open. All applications and required materials must be submitted by June.
Is campus accommodation included or provided?
Accommodation is not included in the tuition fee, but ZLC can provide guidance to help participants find housing in Zaragoza.
Are there networking opportunities?
Yes. The program provides opportunities to interact with faculty, fellow PhD students, and young researchers from around the world through lectures, discussions, and collaborative activities.
Is the program residential?
Yes. Although housing is not included, the program is designed as a high‑impact residential experience, encouraging interaction, collaboration, and cultural immersion.
How long does it take to receive a response?
After submitting your completed application, the admissions committee usually responds within a week.
