CERN STEAM Academy
A 10-weeks long summer programme at CERN combining software technologies, edge computing,
and machine learning. A curriculum for future Data acquisition, Edge computing, Advanced software and Data science experts.
Course Structure
The programme combines case studies with inspiring seminars, theoretical insights, and guided hands-on sessions.
Theme 1
Software Technologies
→ Advanced C++
→ Algorithms
→ Floating‑point
→ Efficient Python
→ Architecture & memory model
→ Parallel and heterogeneous computing
→ Best practices for debugging, profiling, analyzing large software
Theme 2
Edge Computing
→ Programming FPGAs with VHDL
→ High‑Level Synthesis
→ AI at the edge with hls4ml and FINN
→ Versal Adaptive Intelligence Engines
→ SoC FPGAs
→ Networking
→ High‑speed optical links
→ Storage (throughput/latency engineering)
Theme 3
Data Science & Machine Learning
→ MLOps
→ RNNs, GNNs, transformers
→ Autoencoders & anomaly detection
→ Generative models
→ Foundation models
→ LLMs/RAGs/agents;
→ Reinforcement learning
→ Interpretability & uncertainty
→ Pruning & quantisation
Admissions
Who should apply?
PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, researchers and engineers with a completed Master’s degree at the time of the application. (Bachelor’s and Master’s students are not eligible.)
The Academy is conducted entirely in English. Strong proficiency and comprehension are required. Selection is based on technical preparation, motivation.
Cohort diversity is valued.
What’s Included
- On‑site accommodation + meals for all 10 weeks for external participants
- Teaching & lab materials
- Hardware access: FPGA dev boards, high-performance computing nodes
- Seminar recordings & code repositories
How to apply?
Online application with CV (PDF) and two reference contacts.
A reference letter from your current supervisor is mandatory.
Should you have one from a previous internship you may add this as a second reference.
What do you need to know
→ Duration: 10 weeks
→ Fee: CHF 1,500: accommodation + meals included for external participants
→ Extras: Optional 1–2 month post‑Academy placement with a CERN group
→ Credits: Targeting ECTS recognition via partner universities
Key Dates (2026)
→ Applications close: 15 February
→ Selection results: by 31 March
→ Fee payment due: by 30 April
→ Arrival: 21 June
→ Academy dates: 22 June to 28 August
Invited speakers
The CERN STEAM Academy features contributions from internationally recognised experts shaping the future of software, computing, and machine learning.
FAQs
- Do I choose a theme? No. All participants follow the full 10‑week integrated programme.
- Is prior HEP experience required? No; HEP context is provided during the Academy.
- Will I get ECTS credits? We are working with partners to recognise ECTS; details announced before the start.
- Is accommodation mandatory? It is bundled to foster a cohort experience; exceptions considered case‑by‑case.
- Can industry participants apply? Yes, if they meet the prerequisites and commit to the full programme.
Lectures by world-leading experts from academia, research and industry, followed by hands‑on training and labs.
Ready to join CERN STEAM Academy 2026?
Join a single, rigorous programme spanning Software Technologies, Edge Computing, and Data Science & ML.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us on our email steam.academy@cern.ch