The application process for the 14th Summer Academy is open until the 3rd April 2011. This year the event, organized by the Sendzimir Foundation, will take place between 3rd and 23rd July2011 in the Conference Centre of Lodz University, Lodz, Poland.

International, interdisciplinary course is designed for all interested in professional development in sustainability – in business, academia, local governments as well as in the third sector. Details about Summer Academy and application process can be found at  www.sendzimir.org.pl/en/course. The participation is free of charge.

Corporate Social Responsibility, ecosystemsservices, local sustainability, industrial ecology – these are only a few from the numerous topics that will be explored during lectures, workshops, simulation games and field activities. But the scope will not be theoretical only; this years practical projects will be realized in collaboration with the Lodz City Office and companies from Mazovian and Lodz voivodships.

Experience and knowledge – valued by employers – gained during previous editions of Summer Academy have enabled many participants to pursue careers in sustainability. Some of participants start to collaborate during the course, creating professional bonds with companies that take part in the practical projects. IKEA, Sheraton Hotel Cracow, Axel Springer Publishing House, Allianz, DB Schenker – these are just some of companies that have cooperated with the Summer Academy so far.

About Sendzimir Foundation

The Sendzimir Foundation is the leading organization working towards sustainability in Poland. For over 14 years its name has been synonymous with initiating and supporting education, research and practical projects aimed at solving complex environmental, economical and social problems. The Foundation operates in cooperation with companies, local governments, NGOs, local communities and academia.

The Summer Academy “Challenges of Sustainable Development” is an annual event organized by Sendzimir Foundation and 2011 marks its 14th edition. In 2010 it published the first Polish sustainability handbook entitled “Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland”; it also publishes a magazine: “Sustainable development: Applications”.

Foundation is a member of the AtKisson Group, an international network of experts and organizations working towards sustainable development.