The GENIUS Doctoral Network held its first network-wide Training School from 21-23 October 2026 at the University of Perugia, Italy, bringing together Doctoral Candidates, academic partners and experts from across the consortium.
Organised by the University of Perugia, the event provided scientific training, opportunities for knowledge exchange and a chance to build connections within the network.
Day 1: Low-carbon energy and energy geostructures
The training school opened on Wednesday 21 October at Palazzo Murena, the Rectorate of the University of Perugia. Following a guided visit, the GENIUS Doctoral Network Project Coordinator Dr Melis Sutman and TS1 organiser Professor Diana Salciarini introduced the objectives and programme.
Dr Sarah Yasir discussed low-carbon energy technologies, including ground-source heat pumps, solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, and combined heat and power. Professor Alice Di Donna and Dr Alessandra Insana introduced geothermal energy, system classifications and subsurface temperatures. Professor Hussein Mroueh and Professor Alice Di Donna explored the principles and applications of energy geostructures.
Day 2: Advanced soil mechanics and thermo-mechanical behaviour
On Thursday 22 October, activities continued at the Engineering Campus. Dr Arianna Lupattelli and Professor Rao Martand Singh presented advanced soil mechanics and testing, including mechanical and thermal characterisation of soils. A laboratory visit gave participants insight into experimental facilities and methods.
Dr Melis Sutman explored thermo-mechanical behaviour of energy geostructures, including stresses and deformations caused by heating and cooling. Doctoral Candidates also met academic and network co-advisors and participated in collaborative group project activities.
Day 3: Energy analysis and collaboration
On Friday 23 October, Professor Diana Salciarini and Professor Marco Barla led sessions on energy analysis, heat exchange and energy extraction across different geostructure configurations, including the influence of layouts and pipe arrangements. Group brainstorming encouraged participants to connect ideas across research topics.
Connections beyond the classroom
The event also provided time for informal networking and relationship-building. GENIUS DN participants joined the University of Perugia’s Run-Restart Perugia 2026 event, receiving a medal recognising their international participation.
A foundation for future training
The school marked the beginning of the network-wide training programme: Training Programme – GENIUS DN
This project is funded by the European Union as part of the Horizon Europe programme, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) 2024 and under the Agreement number 101226708
