FAQ’s

BIYSC is an international summer science program that aims to stimulate scientific talent among young people from all over the world. It is meant to encourage their enthusiasm for pursuing scientific research and careers in science. 

BIYSC is intended for undergraduate students. It has been designed with the aim to offer the participants a world-class experience by allowing them to work in English in small groups, on different scientific and technological challenges proposed by international research centers based in Catalonia, who are involved in cutting-edge research.

The program also offers its participants the possibility to enjoy the company of peers that share their same passion, attending scientific lectures given by leading researchers, and debating with them the most successful discoveries and scientific advances that are taking place worldwide.

The 9th edition of the BIYSC will take place in Barcelona from July 7^th to 18^th, 2025. During the program, students participate in one of the research projects offered (10-15 students per project) and work with the scientists on their project of choice. The academic program is demanding, about 6 hours a day. This does not mean that there is no time for other activities or free time, but BIYSC is much more than a summer camp!

During the program, the accommodation will be at a college residence, located on a privileged university campus setting closely connected with the heart of the city downtown. During their stay, participants will take part in the different research projects which are held in the research centers distributed around the city. All leisure activities during those days will also take place in Barcelona, and the Opening Ceremony will be held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Casa Milà – La Pedrera (link is external), the headquarters of Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera.

The cost assumed by the selected student for participation at BIYSC 2025 is of 3,200 euros. The total cost of the stay includes accommodation and meals from July 7th to 18th, 2025, the material used in each of the projects, transport to the research centers, activities and programmed visits, remuneration of the researchers, lecturers, and staff, and accident and civil liability insurance.

BIYSC is an immersive residential program and for all participants -including locals- it is mandatory to share meals and stay together in the same residence in Barcelona (for the 2025 edition it will be the Yugo Aleu Residence on the campus of the University of Barcelona). There is only one general fee for all participants.

Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera considers providing finantial aids for selected BIYSC students who live and study in Catalonia with difficulties meeting the total cost of the fee. 

If a BIYSC selected student chooses to withdraw from the program voluntarily, Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera will not refund any of the payments already made. For other situations, please check the BIYSC Cancellation policies

We look for young people with interest, curiosity, and commitment to science. To find them, we are guided by the personal statement and motivation letter that applicants write and where we expect them to show their interest in science, their personal and school projects (hobbies, participation in science contests or fairs, awards received, reading habits, musical instruments played, etc.). The answers to the questions in the application form are also important, as are academic records and the assessment and feedback received from the school teachers in charge of the recommendations.

English is particularly important in science, and it is the only vehicular language during the program. Therefore, a satisfactory level in English is essential for selection, and necessary to attend BIYSC.

Yes, all participants are issued a diploma after completing the program.

Discover the former BIYSC participants’ opinions on our Testimonials!

No, you cannot. BIYSC is an immersive experience. We advise you to visit family and/or friends before or after the program. Leaving the program on your own is not allowed and may result in immediate expulsion. No one from outside the program may be invited to the program centers, venues, or the residence.

Family members are not allowed to be present during the program, but they may be invited to attend the Closing Ceremony.

Yes, if you need a supporting letter, please ask us at contact@biysc.org

On Monday, July 7^th, 2025, international participants should arrive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the airport or train station where our staff will be waiting for them at their different terminals for their pick-up. A morning and afternoon shuttle bus service from Barcelona Airport will be scheduled. Students arriving later than 7 p.m. will have to arrange transportation to the residence on their own.

Local participants should go directly to the residence from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. where the BIYSC Staff Team will be waiting for them to do the check-in.

On Friday July 18^th, 2025, participants will be able to leave the residence after the final presentations at Closing Ceremony from 3 p.m. There will be a shuttle bus service available only to participants to Barcelona airport and train stations. In case you need to leave earlier than 3 p.m. for any reason, you will need to submit to contact@biysc.org, an authorization form to leave the program on your own. All transportation costs to airport or train station outside the official BIYSC program will be at the participant’s expense. 

We advise participants to get their departures flights or trains from 5 p.m. onwards and not before, to have enough time for checking out issues.

All meals, program activities, and transport are included in the participation fee. Extra money may be required for snacks, souvenirs, or other personal or unforseen expenses.

BIYSC offers a full program with a very busy schedule. However, there is also some free time that can be used to participate in leisure activities and shopping time, always supervised with our staff, or to just relax inside the residence premises. 

The Barcelona Experiences are offered to selected BIYSC applicants after confirming participation at BIYSC. The booking is on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked well in advance before the beginning of the program through the BIYSC selected participant account and personal tabs (www.biysc.org/user). 

During the 2025 program (July 7^th to 18^th), the participants will stay at the Yugo Aleu Student Residence (link is external), located in a privileged Barcelona university campus well connected with the heart of the city downtown.

Only late departures on July 19^th from the residence will be accepted for participants unable to leave on the 18^th due to unavailable international flights. This additional night will be at the expense of the participant, as well as travel arrangements from the residence to the airport. To verify availability and to receive the booking link, participants who require this additional booking must contact the BIYSC Team at least two months before the beginning of the program at contact@biysc.org.

No, the residence offers individual rooms with a private bathroom for BIYSC participants. 

No, the residence provides clean towels and bedding, which are changed on a regular basis or as needed.

Yes, the residence provides this service at an extra cost.

Yes, rooms will be kept closed but be mindful of your access card key and your valuables and belongings in common spaces and outside the residence. If you lose your room card key, you will be responsible for the extra cost of replacing it. 

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and throughout the residence premises.

Three main meals per day are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Depending on the scheduling of each project, mealtimes may vary slightly to better accommodate activities and logistics. Breakfast and dinner will be held in the residence. Lunch on labor days is provided at restaurants in the research centers where the different projects are developed. 

Dietary requirements can be catered for if participants fill in their dietary needs on their personal BIYSC account. In case of having a serious dietary requirement or allergy, we recommend you bring with you the special meals and medicines you require. 

Most research projects require students to dress in long trousers and close shoes while in the lab, as well as wear a lab coat. However, for the rest of the ouside activities bring clothing and footwear appropriate for hot weather. Participants can dress smartly for the opening ceremony, but it is not compulsory.

The staff is available 24 hours a day to help with any emotional difficulties you might have.

Each participant is given a buddy member of the staff to be their contact. Staff are experienced enough to deal with any problems, as they all have been in your position before. They are available 24 hours a day, and a program coordinator is always on-site and can be reached on the BIYSC emergency telephone number, which will be given to you upon arrival.