The Summer School aimed to offer an overview of current research under microgravity and hypergravity conditions in both life and physical sciences, exposing students to the benefits of performing research and technology demonstrations in altered gravity conditions.
"The ESA/ELGRA Summer School has been an incredible opportunity to learn about the effects of microgravity on humans as well as the experiments that can be performed under such conditions," explained a Spanish student from the University of Seville.
On the very first day, students were introduced to key aspects of gravity along with an overview of gravity-related research topics and the platforms currently available to conduct altered gravity experiments.
The students were then delighted to meet former ESA Academy hands-on programme participants, who shared their stories along with a wealth of tips and tricks.
"The two weeks were amazing!" enthused an Austrian student from the Technical University of Munich.
"Not only could I attend a broad range of fascinating lectures about gravity related research, but also meet other highly motivated students, coming from a wide variety of different backgrounds. I am very grateful for this experience and want to thank all the experts and tutors who shared their story, let us dive a little deeper in their research, and undeniably inspired me with their great enthusiasm."
Working in small teams, the students devised experiment ideas that they pitched to the other groups and ESA experts.
All tutors were very impressed with the work the students completed in such a short time.
"What an experience!" said a Greek student from the Hellenic Mediterranean University.
"Being part of a multidisciplinary team, getting out of your comfort zone, expanding your knowledge of different scientific and engineering areas, that's what the ESA/ELGRA Gravity-related Research Summer School is all about! I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity, and I would definitely recommend it to everyone interested in space research!".