The GEDIS European Summer School on Information Science (ESSISGEN 2025) is an intensive one-week academic programme designed for Bachelor’s students who are planning to enrol in a Master’s degree in Information Science. Participation in ESSISGEN 2025 is equivalent to 3 ECTS credits.
This Summer School will be held in Barcelona from Sept 2 to Sept 6, 2025.
Programme
The core modules of ESSISGEN will cover following areas:
- Advances in Information Science
- Research Methodology in Information Science
- Principles of Information Organization and Retrieval
- Introduction to Gender Perspective in Research
- Artificial Intelligence in Information Science
- Digital Content Creation and Management
There will be interactive lectures and work on group assignments, workshops, groups discussions and gamification activities distributed along the week. In addition, a social program will allow you to experience Barcelona and its surroundings.
Organization
ESSISGEN 2025 is organised by the University of Barcelona (Spain), Stiftung Universität Hildesheim (Germany), CUAS – Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Austria), the University of Osijek and the University of Zadar (Croatia), the University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Silesian University in Opava (Czech Republic).
ESSISGEN 2025 is held under the auspices of the European Union and the Erasmus+ programme, as part of the project GEDIS – Gender Diversity in Information Science: Challenges in Higher Education (Project number: 2024-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000246558).
Venue
The summer school will take place majorly at the Faculty of Information Science and Media at the University of Barcelona. The Faculty of Information and Audiovisual Media at the University of Barcelona, originally founded in 1915 as the School of Librarians, offers undergraduate degrees in Information and Digital Documentation Management and in Audiovisual Communication. It also provides official master’s programmes, postgraduate courses, and doctoral studies. The faculty is equipped with modern facilities, including sound editing rooms and a specialised library, supporting high-quality teaching and research. Located in the heart of Barcelona, it promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to academic excellence in the fields of information science, digital media, and communication.
Barcelona is a vibrant Mediterranean city located in the northeast of Spain, renowned for its unique blend of Gothic and modernist architecture, dynamic cultural life, and seaside charm. As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona offers visitors a rich historical heritage, world-class gastronomy, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Strolling through its iconic neighbourhoods—from the historic Barri Gòtic to the elegant Eixample—you will discover treasures such as the Sagrada Família, designed by Antoni Gaudí, and bustling markets like La Boqueria. The city’s location between the Collserola hills and the Mediterranean Sea allows for a wide range of outdoor activities, whether hiking or enjoying the urban beaches. Barcelona hosts numerous festivals, exhibitions, and concerts year-round, making it a cultural destination in all seasons. Its excellent transport links also provide easy access to nearby towns, the Pyrenees, and the Costa Brava. With a warm climate, a lively atmosphere, and a welcoming spirit, Barcelona remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for travellers seeking a mix of culture, relaxation, and discovery. More information is available at: https://www.barcelonaturisme.com
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Accommodation
Students will be offered accommodation in single or shared room upon availability of the Col·legi Major Penyafort at the University of Barcelona. The dorm is conveniently located nearby campus. The city centre can be reached by metro L3, nearby the faculty.
Student Grants
Several student grants are available for students from partner institutions who want to attend ESSISGEN 2025. Most grant recipients are nominated by the partner universities. Selected students will receive the costs for participation fee and accommodation in Barcelona (5-6 nights) plus travel support.
You might also seek additional local sources for financial support. For example, there might be financial support available by the international office of your university, federal or local student support agencies or your local students union.
Nominated students will receive room and board in Barcelona (5 nights) plus travel support of up to 300€ based on expenses.
Cost
In the case of a student from a non-partner institution, the cost to participate is €450, subject to availability at the Col·legi Major Penyafort. This fee includes accommodation, meals, and access to all scheduled academic and cultural activities. The number of seats at the summer school are limited. Seats for students from non-partner institutions will be offered subject to availability.
How to reach Barcelona
Barcelona is a major transport hub in southern Europe and a key gateway to the Mediterranean region. It is easily accessible by air, rail, road, and sea. The city is served by Barcelona-El Prat Airport, located just 15 km from the city centre, offering numerous international and domestic connections.
Invitation to institutions – Sponsorship
Employers, professional organizations, information agencies, publishers, and service providers are invited to consider participation at ESSISGEN 2025 by offering a demonstration, workshop or exhibit about their products and services, or by presenting a paper or poster about their activities and services, as related to the summer school themes.
Scholar Program and Social Program (draft)
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