Vatican Observatory Summer School 2027

The Vatican Observatory Summer School 2027 (VOSS 2027) is the 20th edition of the Vatican Observatory's long-running international astronomy summer school. The programme brings young astronomers from around the world to Castel Gandolfo, Italy, for an intensive period of academic study, research engagement and international collaboration. The Summer School programme has been running since 1986.

The 2027 academic theme is Late Stages of Stellar Evolution. Participants will explore how stars evolve through their later phases, including red giant and asymptotic giant stages, mass loss, planetary nebulae and white dwarfs, and how these processes contribute to the chemical evolution of galaxies.

The curriculum is particularly relevant at a time when facilities including the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope are opening new possibilities for studying evolved stars and stellar populations.

Main academic themes include stellar structure and evolution, dust production by evolved stars, stellar populations in clusters and galaxies, reconstruction of star-formation histories and observations using ground- and space-based facilities.

The faculty includes researchers from institutions such as the Vatican Observatory, INAF Observatory of Rome, University of Michigan, Space Telescope Science Institute, Macquarie University and INAF's Astrophysics and Space Science Observatory of Bologna.

Alongside the academic programme, participants can expect social and cultural activities. The exact 2027 extracurricular schedule has not yet been finalised; previous editions have included cultural excursions around Rome, sports, films and international cultural activities

• Applicants should be studying in an astronomy-related field.
• Students in the final year of undergraduate study may apply.
• Students in the early stages of postgraduate study may apply.
• This includes students preparing for or beginning a Master's, PhD or equivalent postgraduate programme.
• Applicants from countries worldwide may apply.
• Selection is based on the applicant's background, interest and ability.
• A maximum of two students from any one country will be selected.
• Religious faith is not part of the selection criteria.
• Students of all faiths, including those with no religious affiliation, may apply.
• Participants should be able to study and participate academically in English; however, no IELTS or other formal English-language test is specified.

• No required programme attendance fee.
• Intensive approximately four-week astronomy and astrophysics programme.
• Teaching and academic interaction with international researchers specialising in stellar astrophysics.
• Training focused on the late stages of stellar evolution.
• Exposure to research involving stellar populations, nucleosynthesis, dust production, galaxy evolution and major astronomical facilities.
• International academic networking with students from multiple countries.
• Cultural and social activities alongside the academic programme.
• Students experiencing financial hardship may request financial support towards travel and housing costs.
• Access to the Vatican Observatory's academic environment in Castel Gandolfo.

The public VOSS 2027 page confirms:

• Completed online application through the official application portal.
• Letter(s) of recommendation submitted by the separate recommendation deadline.
• Information required within the official online application form.
• A financial-support request, where applicable, for applicants who need assistance with travel or housing.

The Vatican Observatory states that selection is based on:

• Applicant's academic and educational background.
• Applicant's interest in the programme and subject.
• Applicant's demonstrated ability.
• Suitability for advanced study in astronomy and astrophysics.
• Relevance of the applicant's academic stage to the programme.
• Geographic diversity, with a maximum of two participants selected from any one country.

• Study a specialised astrophysics topic through an intensive international programme.
• Learn from researchers based at leading astronomy institutions.
• Develop deeper knowledge of stellar evolution and stellar populations.
• Gain exposure to research connected with JWST, Roman and other major observing facilities.
• Build relationships with young astronomers from different countries.
• Experience an established programme that has operated since 1986.
• Explore postgraduate and research pathways in astronomy.
• Participate in an academically and culturally diverse international environment.