Unite! Research School 2026: building the research and innovation network of the future

The Unite! Research School is a Unite! flagship event and offered a unique mix of scientific and technical excellence. It combined experts’ lectures, transferable skills courses, networking sessions, speeches and panels with industry leaders, visits to research infrastructures and industries, team-based case studies, and board gaming. It also included a motivational track designed to inspire Master’s students to engage in PhD research. 

This 2026 edition has been organized by Politecnico di Torino, together with the Unite! Doctoral School board members. The school started and concluded at PoliTO main campus, while courses and activities were held at the Santuario di Oropa, an inspiring venue located in the heart of the Alps.  The three main thematic pillars focused on the digital transition – with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and Industry 4.0/5.0 – the energy transition, explored through topics such as sustainable energy, smart cities and water resource management, and enabling technologies, with particular attention to space technologies and bioengineering.

Eight student teams were recognized by a jury of professors and researchers for their proposed solution to given case studies, ranging from exoskeleton assistance to street cleaning, CO2 conversion, water contamination, digital government platforms, space missions, and simulations. Consulta Giovani from Politecnico di Torino engaged students with a board game that simulated choices and options in their prospective academic careers.

As in previous editions, companies played a central role in the URS 2026. Leading companies engaged with students through keynotes, panel discussions, and visits to companies and research centres, providing first-hand insight into real-world engineering challenges. The participating companies included Altform, Corcym, ELLIS, Intrauma, Hysytech, Michelin, Omnidermal, PoliRNA, Rigenera HBW, SMAT, Thales Alenia Space, Tyvak International, Spike Reply, and UniCredit. 

“The URS is a unique and successful tool to create a real ecosystem among students, researchers, innovators, and companies within the targets promoted by the European Research Area. It facilitates networking for early career researchers, by involving doctoral students in an enjoyable, multidisciplinary and multicultural learning experience”, said professor Eugenio Brusa, Coordinator of the URS 2026.

Participants described this edition of the URS as intriguing, surprising, and reflective, marking an important occasion for networking and fostering innovation in a diverse and challenging environment, while creating a real multicultural community.