2026 IRM Summer School for Rock Magnetism
An overview of the upcoming Summer School, including how to apply and details on the activities the Summer School covers.
IRM summer school 2026

Applying to the Summer School

We are now accepting applications. Application review will begin on March 31st 2026, though we welcome application after this date as well.

About the summer school

The 10-day program is targeted at graduate students, advanced undergraduate students, and postdocs in rock magnetism, paleomagnetism, and associated fields. Participants will receive intensive instruction in rock magnetic theory and laboratory techniques. A daily schedule of lectures, hands-on laboratory measurements, and data processing will introduce participants to the fundamentals of rock magnetism and the practical aspects of collecting and interpreting data responsibly. Instructors for the summer school will be primarily IRM faculty and staff.

As the number of applicants for the school typically exceeds the IRM's capacity to teach the school effectively, participation is limited to 20 students.

Applicants will be selected based on a balance of considerations, including how far along a participant is in their studies and how many other applicants are from the same institution. To foster academic diversity, a limit of 3 participants per research group has been set (more participants from the same institution will be considered if space allows).

Statement of research interests

As part of the Google Form application, we request a short statement of research interests, which we help us design lab projects that suit the interests of the majority of students attending. Please include an explanation of short-term research goals, and why attending the Summer School will be beneficial (max. 350 words).

Costs

We have received funding from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Summer School, which allows us to cover University of Minnesota dormitory accommodation costs, board, and a portion of travel costs for all participants.

Activities

  • The summer school covers 10 days from July 20 to July 29, 2026.
  • Room and board, and partial travel costs, will be covered by the summer school.
  • There will be 8 half-days of lectures and 8 half-days of lab based projects.
  • Lectures cover the fundamentals of magnetism through to cutting edge research applications.
  • Lab projects are in small, 4-5 people, groups.
  • Projects tackle subjects at the forefront of rock magnetism.
  • Groups present their team projects to the summer school on the final day.
  • On the weekend, there will be field trip exploring the fascinating geology of Minnesota.
  • The summer school covers 10 days from July 20 to July 29, 2026.
  • Room and board, and partial travel costs, will be covered by the summer school.
  • There will be 8 half-days of lectures and 8 half-days of lab based projects.
  • Lectures cover the fundamentals of magnetism through to cutting edge research applications.
  • Lab projects are in small, 4-5 people, groups.
  • Projects tackle subjects at the forefront of rock magnetism.
  • Groups present their team projects to the summer school on the final day.
  • On the weekend, there will be field trip exploring the fascinating geology of Minnesota.
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