Pictures from our 9th Summer School in 2014 are on our Photoblog

Monika Suškevičs of the Estonian University of Life Sciences was awarded an ALTER-Net Mobility Scheme grant (available to staff and post-graduate students of ALTER-Net member institutes) to attend the 2014 ALTER-Net Summer School. You can read Monika's report here.

Maud Borie was a student on our 2014 Summer School. She has written a blog post, 'Reflections on the ALTER-Net Summer School'

You can also follow our Summer School tweets via #ALTERNetSummerSchool

Overview

Open to young graduate and post-graduate scientists from both within and outside the network partners, the ALTER-Net Summer School provides an innovative atmosphere for thinking about and resolving the sustainability challenges that society is currently facing. Our Summer School aims at contributing to the durable integration and spread of excellence within and beyond the network, with a view to promoting interdisciplinary approaches.

ALTER-Net Summer Schools have been running since 2006 and offer students a unique opportunity to learn about current issues in biodiversity and ecosystem services.

What people say

The Summer School provided me a great opportunity for generating and exchanging ideas
- Monika Suškevičs, student in 2014

I have a clearer idea of what I might want to do after my PhD
- A past student

A modern-day School of Aristotle, where lecturers learn as much as students - if not more
- M. Sharman

...a unique opportunity for young European researchers to come together, to focus on interdisciplinary issues and to develop personal networks...
-K. Baadsvik

 

 

What can I expect?

The programme typically includes talks in the morning and an aperitif talk in the late afternoon before dinner. All talks provide ample time for discussions. As the speakers usually stay for some days in Peyresq, informal discussions often go on till late at night.

Tutors guide small working groups in the afternoons to work on real world examples connected to the theme of the school. Working groups summarise their results into a synthesis report aimed at policymakers.

A field trip illustrates land-use change in Provence.

There are plenty of opportunities to relax in the beautiful village of Peyresq and its surroundings.
Read more about Peyresq and the Summer School experience...

Speakers

Speakers at our 2014 Summer School included:

Topics addressed in previous Summer Schools include:

• Biodiversity and ecosystems in Europe;
• Ecosystem processes, function, services and benefits;
• Resilience of social and natural systems;
• Relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• Valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• Linking biodiversity research with policy and the public;
• Participatory methods;
• Conflict resolution.

I went to the Summer School with many questions in my head, but came back with even more... but also with a lot of new friends!
- Monika Suškevičs, student in 2014

• 10th Summer School coming soon

• An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

• Peyresq, Haute-de-Provence, France

Essential information

• Travel information
• Map for walking between rail stations in Nice
• Flyer - please download & share!

How to apply

Please look out for announcements about our next Summer School. In the meantime, check the eligibility criteria.

All enquiries:

Keep in touch with ALTER-Net: sign up to our e-newsletter!

Discover Peyresq:

• About Peyresq
• Photos from previous Schools

Photo credits
Left: PIK
Right, top: Allan Watt
Right, middle: Allan Watt
Right, bottom: Paul Scholefield