This past summer I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in the city of Gdansk on the Baltic coast of Poland to attend the Quantum Summer School (Q-Camp) held in the University of Gdansk. This event was offered to 25 students from across the world to explore the theory and advancements in quantum technologies. In this blog I will reflect on my experience, give advice on finding and applying to summer schools and share pictures of my time in Gdansk!

Views from city boat tour

How the summer school was structured

Diving into the world of quantum technologies, this summer school hosted by the University of Gdansk and Kainos has been nothing short of transformative. Composed of lectures, workshops as well as a hackathon and a conference, it provided a unique opportunity to learn from world-class experts in this revolutionary field. Topics ranged from cryptography, quantum key distribution, entanglement, quantum algorithms to modern quantum computing approaches. In the mornings we had lectures on a new topic in quantum each day, followed by lunch which was usually Polish, a delightful way to explore the culture.

In the afternoons, we had tutorial workshops where we got to apply our knowledge to set problems. As part of Q-Hack, the quantum hackathon, teams were given 24 hours to design a solution to a real-world issue utilising quantum/quantum technology in their product. This hands-on approach not only deepened my understanding of the subject but also allowed me to apply the theory in a practical setting. The winning teams applied their knowledge to a broad range of applications including cyber security and medicine. Congrats on the win!

Overlooking the city from the rooftop of St. Mary’s Church

On the final Friday of the course, we were presented with our certificates for completing the summer school by the Mayor of Gdansk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz. This took place at Q-Con, a conference centred around all things quantum technologies. With world-class keynote speakers, panel discussions, and talks from experts in the field as well as start-up companies shaping the future of quantum, this event was inspiring yet informative on the broad range of quantum applications. You do not have to be a summer school participant to attend if you want to go to one in the future! Look out for conferences in your chosen subject, many of them welcome undergraduates.

Highlights of the trip

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting some wonderful people from across the world, including people who also travelled from Queen’s. This is a unique environment because it brings together students from all over the world in a short but intense period. You bond quickly over shared classes, social events, and the adventure of exploring a new city. The programme was organised to include several social events including a pizza welcome night, visits to popular local bars, a visit to Kainos’ offices followed by 100cznia. Here in the old shipyard, shipping containers have been converted to bars and food stalls with the cranes, street art and open environment giving a great atmosphere. Returning many times to this place during our stay, this is where a lot of memories were made!

Kotka Café near campus

Aside from the organised events, we often planned our own activities. Whether it was trying a new restaurant, hanging out in local parks, exploring city centre, or venturing to the nearby city of Sopot and enjoying the wonderful seaside view on the beach; there was always something new and fun to experience. I went to a cat café for the first time in my life on a random afternoon when a group of us heard that there was one nearby. So, my advice would be to attend as many events as you can, be open to spontaneous plans, you never know where the day could take you and the memories you can make!

Oliwa Park

Moving to a new city even for a short while is an exhilarating and enriching experience, and this is how I fell in love with the city of Gdansk. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, old town is a popular spot for touring museums, shopping and exploring different cuisines. As a group we got a sunset boat tour on the canal starting at the shipyard and moving up through old town. One of my favourite (and tiring) things that I did was climb the ~400 steps up St. Mary’s Church to get an overlooking view of the city.

Top tips for applying

If you are interested in attending a summer school, I will share some advice and tips on how to find and apply to them.

Pier in Sopot, neighbouring city of Gdansk

1. Research and then research some more: 

There are so many summer schools out there in the UK and abroad. To help narrow your choices, make a list of countries but also subject areas that you want in a summer school. Summer schools are advertised on the host university’s website, LinkedIn and MyFuture to name a few sources. Keep an eye on your email inbox, in my school we get frequent emails on upcoming deadlines for internships, graduate programmes and summer schools which is how I heard about Q-Camp. Another tip would be to ask your personal tutor/supervisor to advise you on finding specific summer schools in the area in which you are interested. Also, ask your peers if they are applying or have already attended a summer school and you can get an inside perspective!

2. Applying: 

You should definitely keep your CV up to date and chat with a careers advisor to review your CV before you apply, summer schools might look for different things than an employer. Building up your portfolio of achievements is a great way to stand out amongst other applicants, this could be through volunteering, being on a society committee, internships, and research projects to name a few, don’t be afraid to brag! Before you apply you should get a few people to proofread your application to check for simple mistakes or point out something you left out.

Night views from the city boat tour

3. Deadlines and eligibility: 

Make note of important deadlines and what applications require of you. For references you should ask the person providing it in advance to give them plenty of time to write one. Some summer schools require certain levels of language proficiencies, so check if you meet these standards. Most universities open for applications in spring, but some might start closer to summer, so apply early and keep track of all your applications!

4. Funding: 

Summer schools vary on what level of support they offer, but many at least offer accommodation free of charge. This leaves meals and transport up to you, planning out a budget is a great way to know how much money to save up before you go. You should consider applying for scholarships to cover the cost of flights, this can come from companies sponsoring the school or your home university for example.

Attending the Quantum Summer School was one of the most inspiring experiences and best decisions I have made. Not only did I learn so much more about the strange world of quantum mechanics and the advances in its applications to technology, but I have made life-long connections with like-minded people. So, if you are thinking of applying to a summer school, go for it, take the leap!

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Lauren McGinley Astrophysics | Undergraduate Student | Donegal, Ireland My name is Lauren and I'm a physics student taking the astrophysics pathway. Originally from Donegal, I moved into Queen's accommodation for my 1st year and now live in a flat with my uni mates. Outside of lectures I enjoy archery, pub quizzes and jewellery making and art.