Previous Editions
A Growing International Academic Experience
Since its first edition, the Freshmen PhD & Professional Cruise has brought together PhD candidates, researchers, academics and professionals in a distinctive international learning environment at sea.
Across successive editions, the initiative has combined academic lectures, applied activities, interdisciplinary collaboration and professional networking, creating a community connecting universities, research institutions and industry.
Discover the previous editions and explore their programmes, speakers and activities.
III Edition — 2026
23–30 January 2026 · Canary Islands
The third edition marked a further development of the Cruise School as an interdisciplinary international programme.
More than 100 researchers, professionals and scholars participated in an eight-day academic journey departing from Las Palmas and travelling through the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
The programme brought together experts from different disciplines and strengthened the integration of Artificial Intelligence, engineering, data-driven approaches, sustainability and social sciences.
II Edition — 2025
19–24 January 2025 · Western Mediterranean
The second edition expanded the international academic community of the Freshmen PhD & Professional Cruise, bringing together more than 100 participants from research, academia and professional environments.
Departing from Marseille and travelling through Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Palermo and Civitavecchia, the programme combined lectures, laboratories and interdisciplinary activities.
Topics ranged from Artificial Intelligence and digital twins to manufacturing, supply-chain resilience, sustainable ports and AI applications in public policy.
I Edition — 2024
20–23 January 2024 · Rome–Barcelona
The first Freshmen PhD & Professional Cruise launched the academic experience at sea, gathering more than 100 researchers, professionals and scholars from around the world.
The programme created an international environment for knowledge exchange through lectures, workshops and networking activities, with particular attention to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, research methodologies and emerging technological challenges.
This first edition established the foundation for the interdisciplinary Cruise School developed in the following years.
From Previous Editions to the 2027 Cruise School
Building on the experience and international community developed through the first three editions, the 2027 Cruise School continues the journey with a stronger interdisciplinary focus on Artificial Intelligence for Technological & Social Change.
The new programme brings together technological and social perspectives through academic training, applied projects, strategic foresight and international collaboration.