We are pleased to invite PhD students and early-stage researchers to apply for the 2nd ASCCENT Summer School on Carbon Storage in Net-Zero Construction Products, taking place from 26-29 May 2026 on the island of Zlarin, Croatia. The doctoral school is organised in the framework of the ASCCENT project, a twinning project between the University of Zagreb (Croatia), KU Leuven (Belgium), Aalborg University (Denmark), RISE (Sweden) and Holcim (France).
The school aims to provide advanced training and foster knowledge exchange at the intersection of academic research and industrial practice.
The programme will focus on:
- mineral carbonation
- life cycle assessment (LCA)
- industrial perspectives on the development of net-zero construction products
Participants will gain a critical understanding of EU policies and industrial perspectives on net-zero manufacturing in the construction sector. The school will also provide advanced knowledge on CO₂–material interactions and their relevance for sustainable construction materials and technologies. Specialised training will be offered in environmental impact assessment methods, with a strong emphasis on life cycle thinking and sustainability assessment.
Lecturers include leading researchers and industry professionals from KU Leuven, Aalborg University, RISE, Holcim Innovation Center, and the University of Zagreb, internationally recognised experts in mineral carbonation, LCA, and net-zero construction.
Keynote Spekers
- Bruno Huet (Holcim, France) – Global industrial perspective on net-zero production
- Ruben Snellings (KU Leuven, Belgium) – Advances in mineral carbonation science and technology
- Cem Usta (KU Leuven, Belgium)
- Jan Suchorzewski (RISE, Sweden) – Industry-innovation collaboration for net-zero implementation
- Agneta Ghose (Aalborg University, Denmark)
- Massimo Pizzol (Aalborg University, Denmark) – Life Cycle Assessment of net-zero buildings and construction products
- Diana Londoño Zuluaga (Cementir Holding S.p.A., Denmark)- Motivational talk
- Marijana Serdar (University of Zagreb, Croatia)
The school will be organised as a four-day program. Each day will include lectures in the morning, followed by practical assignments and interactive work sessions in the afternoon. During the afternoon sessions, participants will take part in a group assignment, the Ascent Challenge. In this challenge, participants will be asked to design an innovative product, concept, or technology related to the theme of the school. Participants will work in teams to develop the best possible solution, which will be presented in a final 3-minute pitch presentation.
Participation in the school is free of charge for PhD students, with the exception of travel expenses to and from the location of the school, which must be covered by the participants themselves. Due to the interactive nature of the programme and limited teaching space, participation is limited to 15 participants.
Applications can be submitted via the application form.
We look forward to welcoming you to island of Zlarin!
Key Details – 2nd ASCCENT Summer School on Carbon Storage in Net Zero Construction Products
- Venue: Croatian Coral Center, island of Zlarin, Croatia
- Dates: May 26–29, 2026
- Participation: Free of charge for PhD students
- Accommodation: Šare House (covered by the ASCCENT project)
- Spots Available: 15 participants
- Application: 2nd ASCCENT summer school