Information
Summer School in Field Ecology: Learning Scientific Process: Form Problem Definition to Paper Publication (SSFE 2026) is a scientific course dedicated to graduate (Bachelor, Master and Ph.D.) students. Students will participate in a real scientific project and advised by experienced researchers. Participants will have a great opportunity to master their research skills, including scientific project design, sampling, data analyses and critical thinking.
|
|
Topic
Measuring success in riparian restoration: A multitaxa approach
The Importance of riparian zones
Riparian ecosystems are dynamic transition zones between terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Shaped by fluvial processes, these linear corridors play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, purifying water, preventing erosion, and mitigating floods. Unfortunately, they face severe pressure from river regulation, agriculture, and human settlements.
The threat of invasive species
One of the greatest threats to these habitats is the expansion of invasive species. Whether introduced intentionally or accidentally, they cause a dramatic decline in the structure and function of riparian ecosystems. To halt this degradation, ecological restoration - often through the active removal of invasive plants - is crucial.
What you will do at SSFE 2026
In this Summer School, we will evaluate the true effectiveness of the mechanical removal of invasive species in riparian habitats. Using a hands-on approach, you will:
The Importance of riparian zones
Riparian ecosystems are dynamic transition zones between terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Shaped by fluvial processes, these linear corridors play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, purifying water, preventing erosion, and mitigating floods. Unfortunately, they face severe pressure from river regulation, agriculture, and human settlements.
The threat of invasive species
One of the greatest threats to these habitats is the expansion of invasive species. Whether introduced intentionally or accidentally, they cause a dramatic decline in the structure and function of riparian ecosystems. To halt this degradation, ecological restoration - often through the active removal of invasive plants - is crucial.
What you will do at SSFE 2026
In this Summer School, we will evaluate the true effectiveness of the mechanical removal of invasive species in riparian habitats. Using a hands-on approach, you will:
- Collect and analyze field data: Work with fresh student-collected data and ancillary data from an ongoing on-site restoration project.
- Focus on vegetation: Assess the recovery and changes in riparian plants.
- Apply a multi-taxa approach: Expand beyond botany to study how pollinator and fish communities respond to the restoration efforts.
Who can participate?
Bachelors, Master's and Ph.D. students of Jagiellonian University (Poland) and the University of Lisbon (Portugal). Go to the Registration panel for minimum eligibility criteria.
The lectures and fieldwork will be conducted in English. Elementary knowledge of statistics and R programming is expected. Please bring on your laptop.
Registration opens on April 1
The lectures and fieldwork will be conducted in English. Elementary knowledge of statistics and R programming is expected. Please bring on your laptop.
Registration opens on April 1
- Date: 20 - 27 Jul 2026
- Location: Ponte de Lima, Portugal
- Organizers: Jagiellonian University (Poland) & University of Lisbon (Portugal)
- Format: In Person & pre-workshop online meeting
- Credit: Certificate of Attendance and ECTS points.
- Contact: Patricia María Rodríguez González & Remigiusz Pielech
