UWC Dilijan Launches Summer Astrophysics Academy for Youth from Around the World

DILIJAN — UWC Dilijan is launching the UWC Dilijan Summer Astrophysics Academy, a new four-week residential program bringing together young people aged 15-17 from Armenia and around the world for an intensive experience in astrophysics, scientific research and international community living.

The Astrophysics Academy has been made possible through the generous support of a donor who has committed funding for the program for four years. The donor’s hope is that this program will contribute to Armenia’s development and help nurture its talent.

Under the motto “Explore the Universe – Expand Your Mind,” the inaugural Academy will take place from 4 July to 1 August 2027 on the UWC Dilijan campus in Armenia. The program will welcome a cohort of 24-36 students, with substantial financial aid available based on demonstrated need.

The Astrophysics Academy is designed to provide a transformative experience for teenagers interested in pursuing careers in science. At the heart of the four-week program will be an original observational astronomy research project. Working in small teams, students will analyze the brightness of RR Lyrae variable stars, using their periodic changes in brightness to explore how astronomers measure distances within the Milky Way. Students will work with real data, write and debug code, analyze their results and ultimately present their findings to the Academy.

Living and learning alongside peers from different countries and cultures will be an integral part of the experience, reflecting UWC’s belief in education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures. The program will combine intensive academic work with guest lectures, cultural activities, hiking, sport and opportunities to discover Armenia.

The Academy’s faculty will include active researchers with PhDs in astrophysics or closely related fields and experience teaching and mentoring university-level students. They will be joined by university-age resident fellows who will support students with their academic work and community life.

The Academy will be based at UWC Dilijan, an international residential school situated on an eight-hectare campus within Dilijan National Park. Its purpose-built facilities include academic and science spaces, a library, student residences, music facilities, playing fields and a sports complex with a swimming pool and gym.

Dilijan, a historic mountain town surrounded by the forests of one of Armenia’s largest national parks, provides a distinctive setting for the summer program. Participants will have an opportunity to discover Armenia — one of the world’s oldest civilizations and a country whose location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has shaped its rich cultural, architectural and intellectual heritage.

Applications and Financial Aid

The inaugural UWC Dilijan Summer Astrophysics Academy will run from 4 July to 1 August 2027 and is open primarily to students aged 15-17.

Applicants should have completed algebra, trigonometry and physics (mechanics) and have a strong command of English (C1 level or equivalent). Students aged 14 may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

UWC Dilijan is committed to making the Academy accessible to talented students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and substantial financial aid is available based on demonstrated need.

Further information is available on the website.