Get three days of hands-on learning, cutting-edge science and insider insights from international experts in rare diseases. You will dive into topics from therapy development and next-generation sequencing to patient-led research and ethical challenges, all in an interactive, interdisciplinary setting. Present your own work, get feedback and connect with peers and mentors from around the world.

Dates: Tuesday 23 - Friday 26 June 2026

Place: Kartause Ittingen, Warth, Switzerland

Format: Program (PDF, 539 KB)

Language: English

Modules are not available for individual booking.

Who can apply:

• Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from various disciplines such as medicine, biology, pharmaceutical science, psychology, sociology and related fields
• Clinicians
• Physician-scientists 
• Patient representatives

Up to 30 participants will be admitted. There are a limited number of spaces available to participants from industry. Participants are responsible for having valid insurance and a valid visa, if applicable, for Switzerland.

How to apply:

Applicants are requested to provide

• a motivation letter (max. 1 page) which outlines their interest in the Summer School and their relevant experience and skills
• their current short-CV
• a short abstract (max. 250 words) describing their project/project idea and its status. Please make sure that the abstract is presented in a language that is accessible to people from other disciplines. 
• recommendation letter

Application deadline: 26 April 2026

Register here

After reviewing all submissions, selected candidates will be informed between 7 May - 11 May 2026. 

The registration fee is non-refundable. The fee becomes due upon notification of acceptance. Coffee breaks and meals as well as social activities are included in the registration fee. The summer school starts at Tuesday afternoon - please be aware, no lunch is provided on this day.

Accomodation including breakfast at Kartause Ittingen is CHF 175 per night. We highly recommend to stay at the Kartause Ittingen. Other accommodation must be organised by the participants themselves. 

Participants are also responsible for their own travel.

We are pleased to announce that travel grants covering accomodation and registration fee are available to PhD students and young Postdocs (within 3 years from PhD completion) to support their attendance to the Summer School. 
The grant recipients will be selected on the basis of the quality of their application and will be notifed by email.