Summer School of Science London
Selective research programme for ambitious students aspiring to leading global universities
13th – 17th July 2026, The Ideas Hub, North London Collegiate School
Elite research experience
Building on The Summer School of Science, a European programme endorsed by Nobel Prize laureates and running for more than 20 years.
Cutting-edge facilities
Hosted at the Ideas Hub at North London Collegiate School and codirected by Robin Street, Director of Innovation and an experienced school leader.
Research with expert scientists
Working in small groups on an authentic research project under the guidance of expert scientists
University admissions advantage
Developing the analytical, communication and independent thinking skills valued by Oxbridge, Ivy League and other leading global universities.
Dr. Leonardo Pierobon
Programme Director
Natural Sciences graduate, Trinity College, Cambridge
PhD in Nanomagnetism, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
Leonardo is a scientist, educator, and programme architect whose work focuses on bridging advanced scientific thinking with transformative education. Passionate about working with ambitious students, he aims to develop the intellectual confidence, research mindset and interdisciplinary thinking valued by leading universities.
His expertise draws on his research experience in designing nanomagnets for environmentally sustainable energy technologies. The following projects were carefully designed to reflect the latest developments in science and address important global challenges.
Albedo: Painting Cities to Fight Global Warming
Methods and equipment: spectroscopy, photovoltaic semiconductors, thermal sensors, numerical integration
In this project, you will explore how albedo influences our climate, from melting polar ice caps to the urban heat island effect. Using thermal sensors and spectroscopy, you will investigate how different materials and colours absorb heat and UV light. Along the way, you will discover how solar cells work and explore the photoelectric effect, connecting quantum physics with real-world technology. By the end of the project, you will apply your findings to develop practical ideas for how cities could be redesigned, or even simply repainted, to help combat global warming.
Anton is currently completing his PhD in Particle Physics in Zagreb, where he uses data from the CERN Large Hadron Collider to investigate the formation of gluons and their interactions with other particles. Alongside his research, he is an experienced tutor who has helped numerous students gain admission to Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial. Combining his research background and teaching experience, Anton makes complex ideas in physics accessible, intuitive and engaging.
Algae: A Matter of Life and Death
Methods and equipment: DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, biology wet lab
In this project, you will take a journey from the depths of the oceans to the upper layers of the atmosphere, exploring the crucial role that algae play in environmental systems and climate change. You will use genetic testing techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction, to identify different types of algae and gain insight into how even the smallest changes in the food chain can lead to drastic consequences and determine the life or death of entire ecosystems.
When it comes to international experience and a versatile background, Lucia truly knows how to connect big ideas with real-world impact. She brings her research expertise from Lausanne, Vienna, Copenhagen and Zagreb, spanning a wide range of topics across Molecular Biology and Environmental Sciences. Throughout her career, she has explored ecotoxicology, DNA editing, and plant-soil interactions, while her current PhD research focuses on the relationship between living organisms and our changing climate.
Designing the Medicines of the Future
Methods and equipment: enzyme catalysis, inhibitor analysis, molecular docking, computational simulations
In this project, you will explore how modern medicines are designed, tested and understood at the molecular level. Specifically, you will investigate the role of enzymes, inhibitors and targeted drug-delivery in curing any kind of disease, including cancer. Combining methods in medicinal biochemistry and computational biology, you will learn how recent advances in biotechnology are transforming modern medicine and shaping the future of healthcare.
During her PhD at KU Lueven in Belgium, Tamara combined scanning tunneling microscopy with computational chemistry to develop statistical models governing chemical processes. Her current postdoctoral research focuses on applying quantum chemistry to investigate diverse biological systems, bridging computational insights with experimental applications.
Ferrofluids: From Nanotechnology to AI
Methods and equipment: high-precision collision experiments, infrared thermography, video analysis, machine learning
In this project, you will explore the fascinating world of ferrofluids -magnetic liquids filled with tiny nanoparticles that respond dramatically to external magnetic fields. Ferrofluids play an important role in modern technologies, from medicine to electronics and space engineering. Firstly, you will synthesise your own ferrofluids and study how their behaviour changes under different conditions. By collecting and analysing experimental data, you will uncover the physics behind their complex patterns and dynamics. Finally, you will use AI to find patterns in your data, exploring whether AI can ultimately discover the laws of physics.
Nehhal’s research experience is a great example of how physics is becoming truly interdisciplinary. During his Master’s at Cambridge, he investigated the biophysics of artificial cell-like membranes, with the goal of designing better drug delivery systems and new life-inspired materials. Before that, he also explored how AI is transforming the way research is done, from analysing vast datasets to uncovering patterns humans might miss.
Revealing Earth’s Secrets with Earthquakes and 3D Printing
Methods and equipment: 3D printing, seismic tomography, piezoelectric sensing
In this project, you will learn how scientists “see” inside the Earth, or even any material you can imagine, using seismic tomography. Similar to a medical scan, this technique reveals the Earth’s interior by studying how seismic waves created in earthquakes or human-made explosions travel through our planet. Using 3D printing and piezoelectric sensors, you will build models of the Earth’s interior and uncover the hidden ingredients it is made of. This approach plays a crucial role in tackling global challenges, from evaluating earthquake risk to understanding climate processes and the future of our planet.
Simon has explored everything from earthquakes and glaciers to ocean expeditions, with research experience in Zurich, Sydney and Lanzarote. His work in Earth Sciences includes analysing data from cutting-edge experiments to understand what’s happening deep inside our planet. By decoding signals from seismic waves, his expertise lies in revealing the invisible secrets buried beneath our feet.
Namita Bhargava
Executive Director
Namita is an entrepreneur with an international strategic advisory background, recognised for her visionary leadership and passion for innovation-driven education. With extensive experience across business, finance and global strategy, she is deeply committed to empowering young people, particularly women, to excel in STEM and leadership roles. She has guided numerous women towards financial independence, leadership roles and professional success.
Please contact us at leonardo@my-academics.com