Training Programme

Programme Overview

The GENIUS training programme aims to develop a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers equipped to address scientific, technological, and societal challenges related to energy geostructures and geothermal energy systems. The programme combines advanced scientific education with industry exposure and transferable skills development, preparing Doctoral Candidates (DCs) for careers in both academic and non-academic sectors.

Training Objectives

The programme is designed to:

Provide advanced knowledge in geotechnical engineering, geothermal systems, and energy technologies
Develop interdisciplinary competences combining geomechanics, energy systems, and data-driven approaches
Strengthen intersectoral collaboration through industrial partnerships and secondments
Equip DCs with transferable skills including communication, project management, entrepreneurship, and career development
Foster innovation, research excellence, and employability
Promote Open Science, research integrity, and ethical research practices in line with MSCA principles

Training Strategy

GENIUS adopts a structured and holistic training approach that combines:

Network-wide Training Schools, Workshops, and Conferences
Local training at host institutions
Academic and industrial secondments
Hands-on learning through site visits and case studies
Blended learning formats integrating online and face-to-face activities

The programme is built around interdisciplinarity, intersectoral collaboration, progressive learning, flexibility, and practical experience.

Programme Structure

The training programme provides a balanced and progressive learning pathway throughout the doctoral journey. It integrates:

Basic Scientific Training

Advanced expert training

Transferable and soft skills development

Industry engagement and career development activities

Training activities are aligned with the progression of each DC, moving from foundational knowledge towards specialised expertise, independent research, and dissemination.

Expert scientific training is tailored to each DC’s research topic, professional profile, and career ambitions, while transferable skills training supports leadership, communication, and innovation capacity across sectors.

Training Event Overview

No.

Training Activity

Action Month

Training School 1 (TS-1) – Basic and expert scientific training, transferable skills, and EGs Graduate Course

Training School 2 (TS-2) – Basic and expert scientific training, transferable skills, and CETP LEG-DHC programme

Industry Workshop 1 (IW-1) – Applied industrial and sustainability training

Training School 3 (TS-3) & Midterm Meeting

Career Development Workshop (CDW) – Career planning, networking, and dissemination skills

Industry Workshop 2 (IW-2) – Industry collaboration and innovation activities

Final Conference (FC)

Training Schools

Three Training Schools provide progressive scientific and transferable skills training in areas including:

Geotechnics and soil mechanics
Geothermal systems and energy geostructures
Energy modelling and thermodynamics
Machine learning applications
Thermomechanical behaviour of soils
Sustainability and low-carbon energy systems

The first two Training Schools follow a blended format combining face-to-face and online learning.

Industry Workshops

Industry Workshops provide practical and applied perspectives through:

Life cycle assessment and sustainability analysis
Industrial case studies
Innovation and entrepreneurship in energy systems
Environmental impact assessment

Career Development Workshop

The Career Development Workshop focuses on:

Networking and career planning
Interview preparation
Research impact and dissemination
Energy policy and stakeholder engagement

Final Conference

DC-Organised Event

The Final Conference will be organised by the DCs and will provide an open forum to present research outcomes, strengthen collaborations, and explore innovation and commercialisation opportunities with academic and industrial stakeholders.