Rivers and their floodplains are among the most complex, dynamic, and diverse ecosystems on Earth. The morphology and evolution of rivers result from intricate interactions between water flow, sediments, and riparian vegetation, with the latter now recognized as a key component acting as a river ecosystem engineer.

The Fluvial Biogeomorphology Summer School, a collaborative effort between the Department of Geosciences at the University of Padova (led by Simone Bizzi and Nicola Surian) and the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Trento (led by Walter Bertoldi, Annunziato Siviglia, and Guido Zolezzi), offers a unique multidisciplinary training experience. This program integrates geomorphology, hydraulics, and vegetation dynamics to comprehensively understand river systems.

Scheduled for June 9-13, 2025, in the stunning Dolomites, the Summer School will immerse participants in a week-long, intensive learning experience. Under the guidance of expert lecturers, attendees will explore the intricate relationships within river ecosystems. Participants will develop a comprehensive knowledge base, acquire fundamental insights into key processes, and learn to utilise and develop tools for understanding the interactions between physical and biological processes in shaping river ecosystems. The program delivers state-of-the-art knowledge in fluvial biogeomorphology, riparian vegetation modelling, and remote sensing technology.

Led by an international team at the forefront of biogeomorphology research, this Summer School presents an unparalleled opportunity for students and professionals to advance their understanding of river systems and network with experts in the field.

“As RiverLab UniPD we are excited to run this summer school, our contribution will focus on the use of satellite and other remote sensing technologies in the monitoring of river geomorphological processes, with an emphasis on vegetation and morphological interplay. We will exchanges case studies, techniques and experiences in the class and in the field with students, and international colleagues worldwide experts in fluvial biogeomorphology, we look forward to that!” said, Simone Bizzi, Associate Professor at the Department of Geosciences and coordinator of the RiverLab UniPD.