THE PROGRAM

​What is the Barcelona International Youth Science Challenge (BIYSC)?

BIYSC is a two-week 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 from 16 to 18 years old. 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 and discussing with them the most successful discoveries and scientific advances that are taking place worldwide.

How is the program developed?

The seventh edition of the BIYSC will take place in Barcelona from July 3^rd to 14^th 2023. During the 12-day 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 more than a summer camp. Here participants have to work hard and in the end, they will appreciate how much they have learned.

The research projects offered at BIYSC encompass different areas of theoretical and experimental sciences, such as physics, chemistry, medicine, biology, mathematics, biomedicine, biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, astrophysics, biotechnology, engineering, etc. The projects’ content is adapted to students aged between 16 to 18 years old (10^th to 12^th grade*) and the vehicular language of all projects is English. Each project is led by a team of scientists, who will be responsible for guiding the students through their research and transmitting their passion for science, and encourage, engage, and stimulate the participants’ scientific interest and abilities.

Besides the research activities, there will also be conferences given by invited speakers and leisure activities (out-door games, guided tours, excursions, movies, debates, etc). The staff team of the program will lead most of the leisure activities. Finally, the Opening and the Closing Ceremonies will take place at the start and at the end of the program, respectively; and on the last day of the campus, the participants also present their project to the rest of the groups, researchers and other guests.

* Grades corresponding to 4^th grade of ESO, 1^st and 2^nd grade of baccalaureate in Spain.

Where is the BIYSC held?

The activities within the two-week program will be concentrated in Barcelona.

During the program, the accommodation will be at the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES residence, located in a privileged neighbourhood setting closely connected with the heart of the city downtown. During these days, 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 also will take place in Barcelona, and the Opening Ceremony will be held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site La Pedrera (Casa Milà), the headquarters of Science Academy - Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation.

Our participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy the BIYSCience Sessions, scientific dissemination lectures, and debates; as well as making the final presentation of their project’s results before the Closing Ceremony on the last day of the campus, when families and researchers are invited to attend. 

Find out here more information about the Accommodation.

What is the cost to participate at BIYSC?

The cost assumed by the student for participation at BIYSC is 2.950€. The total cost of the stay includes accommodation and meals from July 3^rd to 14^th 2023, 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 responsibility insurance.

Participants are responsible for seeking financial assistance to support their attendance. Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation will consider providing scholarships for selected students based in Catalonia with difficulties to meet the cost of tuition. Please contact us if this is your situation.

What are the requirements to attend BIYSC?

• Being between 16 and 18 years old during the summer program.
• Good academic record, which must be accompanied by an eagerness and motivation to participate in the program. We look for talented and curious young people who, apart from having good academic results, have a genuine interest in scientific research.
• Good command of the English language.
• Intention to pursue a career in science.
• Commitment to make the most of the opportunities offered by the program. 

Find out here more information about the Candidates’ Profile.

How are the participants chosen?

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.) and everything they consider to make them suitable candidates for this opportunity. The answers to the questions in the application form are also important, as well as academic records, and the assessment and feedback received from the school teachers in the charge of the recommendations.

Find out here more information about the Selection Process.

Do participants need to know English?

English is very important in science and it is the only vehicular language during the program. Therefore, a good level in English it is an essential point for the selection and absolutely necessary to attend BIYSC.

Do I get a certificate of attendance?

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

Can I get a supporting letter to help me obtain a VISA?

Yes, please contact us if this is your situation.

What time should I arrive on the arrivals day?

On Monday, July 3^rd, 2023, participants should arrive before 3 p.m. local time at the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES -Av. d'Esplugues, 102, Barcelona- where the BIYSC Staff Team will be waiting for them to do the check-in. At least one staff member will be waiting for participants arriving at the airport, train or bus station for their pick-up. No student will be left alone at any time. There will be a bus shuttle service from Barcelona Airport scheduled. Students arriving later than 3 p.m. will have to arrange the transportation to Vita Student Pedralbes residence on their own.

If required, to avoid jet lag, international students may arrive to Barcelona on Sunday July 2^nd, 2022. Pick-up service by our staff will be provided, but the accommodation for the extra night or any meals are not included. 

What time should I leave on the departures day?

On Friday July 14^th, 2023, participants will be able to leave the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES after the final presentations and the Closing Ceremony,

There will be a bus shuttle service only for students to Barcelona Airport. 

We advise participants to get the departure flight or train from 7 p.m. onwards and not before, to have enough time if needed.

What do participants in other editions say?

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Where is the accommodation?

During all the program (July 3^rd to 14^th 2023), the students will live at the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES residence, located in a privileged setting closely connected with the heart of the city downtown.

Find out here more information about the Accommodation.

Will I be sharing a room?

No, the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES residence only offers individuals rooms with a private bathroom. 

Do I need to bring towels or sheets?

No, clean towels and sheets are provided by the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES residence and changed frequently or when needed.

Are there laundry facilities?

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

Can I keep my belongings safe?

Yes, rooms will be kept closed, but be aware to take care of your belongings during the day.

Is there internet?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and also throughout the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES premises.

How many meals do we have in a day?

Three main meals per day are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Breakfast is around 8 a.m., lunch around 1 p.m. and dinner around 8 p.m.  (depending on the scheduling of each project, mealtimes may vary slightly to better accommodate activities and logistics). Breakfast and dinner are in the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES. Lunch will be provided at restaurants in the research centers where the different projects are developed. 

What happens if I have special dietary requirements?

Dietary requirements can be catered for, please contact us before your arrival. If you have a serious dietary requirement or allergy we recommend you bring provisions with you.

Can I stay for extra nights before and/or after BIYSC?

If booked in advance, rooms in the VITA STUDENT PEDRALBES residence may be available for participants that arrive earlier or wish to leave later. All arrangements must be made directly through the BIYSC Team to contact previously the residence and the cost for the extra nights is at the participant’s own expense. 

Please contact us in advance at contact@biysc.org to keep us informed if you finally book any extra nights in the residence.

OTHER QUESTIONS

Can I visit family and/or friends in Barcelona during the program?

No, you cannot. We advise you to visit family and/or friends before or after the program. Leaving the program is forbidden and it will be punished with immediate expulsion. No one from outside the program may be invited to the program venues, including accommodation.

Can my family attend?

Family members are not allowed to be present during the program.

How much spare time is there?

BIYSC offers a full program with a very busy schedule. However, there is also some free time which can be used to participare on leisure activities or relax inside the residence premises. 

How much spending money I need?

All meals, program activities, and transports are included in the participation fee. Extra money may be required for snacks or souvenirs.

Is there a dress code?

Most research projects require students to dress in long trousers and closed shoes while being in the lab as well as a lab coat. However, also bring clothing and footwear appropriate for hot weather. Participants should dress smartly for the Opening Ceremony.

What if I am homesick?

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

Who do I turn to if I have problems during the program?

Each participant is given a buddy member of the staff to be their contact. Staff are experienced 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 on-site at all times and can be reached on the emergency telephone number, which will be given to you upon arrival.