The 6th annual Marine Robotics Summer School will take place from July 6 – 17 at Faial Island, in the Azores. The summer school is open to up to 24 students from MIT and Portuguese universities who have a strong interest in marine robotics and oceanography, and especially in ocean observation, marine biology, marine ecology, and mapping of ecosystems. The summer school is a hands-on program focused on the integration of autonomous systems with ocean observation, focusing on real-world deployments, environmental data acquisition, and interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and ocean sciences. The program also features a range of social activities. During the evenings, and over the weekend, students will have time to explore Faial and the surrounding islands.
The summer school is open to 12 Master’s and first year PhD students from Portuguese universities, and 12 MIT (upper level) undergraduate and graduate students, in the fields of engineering science (e.g., mechanical, electrical, and similar), computer science, and oceanography. Students from other science fields such as marine biology, bioengineering, geology, geophysics, that have a strong interest in marine robotics, are also encouraged to apply.
Participants will be selected based on curriculum diversity, demonstrated interest in marine robotics and/or ocean observation, motivation to engage in intensive field-based activities, ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and the quality of their portfolio or previous project work.
The application process is open until March 29, 2026, and accepted students will be notified in April. Accepted MIT students will be reimbursed up to $1,800 for airfare to Faial Island, Azores. In addition, a shared dormitory accommodation on Faial Island and light lunches during the summer school will be provided for all participants. Participants will be responsible for all additional personal and extracurricular expenses.
To learn more about the application process, please visit the website of the