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The development of fundamental research has led to technological advancements that extend beyond their original scientific applications. These innovations have the potential to address societal challenges and contribute to broader global objectives, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To accelerate the transition of these technologies into real world solutions, some programs facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions.
ACISS is a summer program designed to explore the societal value of technologies developed through the ATTRACT project. This program brings together students from multiple academic disciplines such as aerospace, design, social studies, and astronomy, among many others, and come from universities in the Netherlands, Finland, and Spain, forming interdisciplinary teams to assess how emerging technologies can address global challenges.
The ACISS program is coordinated by Delft University of Technology, in collaboration with Esade and Laurea University of Applied Sciences. It is also conducted in partnership with CERN IdeaSquare, which provides resources, expertise, and networking opportunities to support students’ projects.
Throughout the program, students engage in interactive lectures and design sprints that incorporate Design Thinking and Entrepreneurial Skills. The methodology emphasizes continuous reframing, ideation, and prototyping with a human-centred approach, fostering the development of innovative service solutions.
Each team approaches the design challenge from different angles, whether focusing on the technology itself, the human experience, or a combination of both. ACISS promotes collaboration and peer-to-peer learning at multiple levels: between universities and CERN IdeaSquare, among faculty members, and within student teams. This multilevel exchange of knowledge enhances the learning experience and strengthens the potential for breakthrough innovations.
“It is encouraging to see students from entirely different backgrounds find common ground when discussing the value of complex technologies. By using accessible language and following a shared process, they are able to develop innovative solutions together”, explained Sem Carree, Course developer & Lecturer at Delft University and coordinator of ACISS.
Through three rounds, the ACISS program has engaged 213 students from 43 different backgrounds, including aerospace, service design, architecture, nano-biology astronomy, and business accounting. Participants had the opportunity to explore all the ATTRACT technologies and talk to experts from multiple industries to develop innovative service solutions.
Here you can watch a video of the ACISS program:
For additional information about the program, visit here.
