THRIVE Impact Summer School
August 29th - September 4th, 2025
application deadline: 19.04.2025 (Early Bird Discount)
regular application deadline: 18.05.2025
Topic 2025: Future of Food Systems
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Listen to Science. Act to stabilize our planet. NOW.
About THRIVE Impact Summer School 2025
The food and agriculture sector significantly contributes to environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.
Sustainable Food Systems are urgently needed, including a holistic approach that balances sustainability, economic viability, and social equity. This is crucial for transforming food systems to meet rising demands while ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.
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​The 2025 topic of Future of Food Systems focusses on creating regenerative and sustainable food systems that can meet growing demand while operating within planetary boundaries.
How can we transform our global food systems to ensure food security, environmental sustainability, and social equity while meeting the increasing demand of a growing population?
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THRIVE Impact will explore the upcoming challenges and empowers you with the mindset and tools to drive sustainable food systems and create a safe & just space for humanity within planetary boundaries.
"We have less than 10 years
to transform
the future of humanity
- or destabilize the planet."
An immersive one-week experience at one of the world´s top universities.
Creating an integrative academic, social and cultural experience.
Reasons to choose THRIVE Impact
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Join an
international group of like-minded changemakers &
co-create to transform the future
Gain key knowledge,
grow your professional network and
find opportunities for future employment
Qualify for the Global Leadership Challenge (cooperation between Oxford University and St.Gallen Symposium)
Receive a confirmation of participation as a
THRIVE Impact Leader
from the University of St.Gallen
Have an unforgettable and meaningful experience in the Swiss Alps and at the University of St.Gallen
Be part of a network of
scientists, researchers & innovators.
Melissa, MSc
Environmental Engineering
(Participant Cohort 1)
“Unity and not division is key to a safe and just world."
Adrian, PhD
Computer Science
(Participant Cohort 1)
"Sustainability is a grand challenge that cannot be tackled by an individual itself."
Johanna, BSc
Global Studies
(Participant Cohort 1)
“We need bridge builders that unit the business sector, politics and activism to accelerate the fight for climate justice.”
Programme Overview:
Topic: Future of Food Systems
29th August - 4th September 2025
An inclusive Programme in English
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Transforming Mindsets (29th August - 31st August 2025)
Location: Offsite@Swiss Alps
Navigating Food Systems (1st September 2025)
Location: SQUARE@HSG
Envision & Leading Sustainable Food Systems (2nd September 2025)
Location: SQUARE@HSG
Accelerating Sustainable Food Systems (3rd - 4th September 2025)
Location: SQUARE@HSG
Collaborating towards a safe & just space
for humanity within planetary boundaries.
Application and Selection Process
Application:
The application process for 2025 is open.
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The application deadline for Early Bird Tickets is: 19.04.2025 (Early Bird fee CHF 150)
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The regular application deadline is: 15.05.2025 (CHF 200).
If you are interested in participating @THRIVE Impact Summer School 2025, please fill out the application form and send it to csi@unisg.ch.
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Selection Process:
THRIVE is for currently enrolled bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students from across disciplines, universities and nationalities. Successful applicants have a strong commitment to personal growth, collaboration, and are driven by impact.
Selection is based on group composition; THRIVE is committed to a diversity of backgrounds, nationalities, gender / gender identifications and disciplines of study.
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Programme Costs:
We charge a registration fee of CHF 200 (Early Bird fee CHF 150, application deadline 19.04.2025) that needs to be paid within a week after the approval. This amount includes the overall programme fee, 2 overnight costs (friday-sunday) in the Swiss Alps, including a food package for the weekend.
Limited financing is available for income-restricted applicants (please reach out to csi@unisg.ch for further information).
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Accommodation Costs:
Accommodation costs for the week (sunday-thursday) in St. Gallen are not included.
Due to dates during the vacations and summer period, student collocations are largely available. Additionally, all St. Gallen-based students are invited to participate in hosting students from outside St. Gallen.
Limited financing is available for income-restricted applicants (please reach out to csi@unisg.ch for further information).
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Who is THRIVE Impact Summer School for?
THRIVE is for students (Bachelor, Master, PhD) of any discipline who ...
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... are impact-driven, collaborative, open-minded and committed to personal growth
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... are seeking to meet like-minded people from diverse backgrounds
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... want to contribute to building a safe and just space for humanity
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... want to engage in unforgettable social and cultural activities, such as a nature immersion in the Swiss Alps
THRIVE Impact Summer School
Team
We can't wait to welcome you to our programme at the University of St.Gallen.
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Dr. Julia Bahlmann & Dr. Justus von Grone
Dino Darmonski
Former & General Partners
Q & A.
Click here for more Information on: Application, Language, Programme and Fees Application •I am a student, but not currently enrolled at university, can I still participate in the Summer School? Yes, you can. Just make a note on your application in terms you are not currently enrolled and shortly explain your situation. We do not have any age restrictions. •I am a young professional, but interested in participating, am I able to apply? If you have less than 2 years experience, you are still able to apply. However, students will have an advantage in getting a spot for the THRIVE Impact Summer School. Language •Which level in English is required? As the programme language is English, you should have a minimum level of B2. Programme •How much time do I need to invest in the programme? The programme is a one-week full-time programme. •When does the programme actually kick-off? The programme will start on Friday, 29th August in the Swiss Alps around 3pm, with a journey of about 2 hours from St. Gallen. Further details are following. •When is the programme finished? The closing ceremony will be finished on Thursday, 4th of September around 4pm. •Which "degree" do participants get? After a successful participation you will get a confirmation of participation. Therefore you need to attend the whole week, till the last day. ECTS-Credits are not provided. Fees •Is the programme free of charge? No. We charge a registration fee of 200 CHF (150 CHF Early Bird Price). No further costs for the programme particpation or the weekend trip in the Alps is required. However, Accomodation in St.Gallen (Sunday-Thursday) needs to be organized and paid by the students, we offer a buddy-hosting programme and provide additional limited financing for income-restricted applicants.