{"id":1650,"date":"2026-01-12T15:43:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T14:43:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/?p=1650"},"modified":"2026-01-22T14:51:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T13:51:06","slug":"announcing-europe-lands-summer-school-10-17-august-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/news\/announcing-europe-lands-summer-school-10-17-august-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Announcing Europe-LAND&#8217;s Summer School, 10-17 August 2026!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>ACT! Summer School Series<\/strong><br>Observation, Modelling and Acting for Sustainable Land-Use in the Context of Climate Change and Biodiversity<br><em>Tartu, Estonia <\/em>| <em>August 10\u201317, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Organized in the frame of the EU-funded projects Europe-LAND and SUNRISE, with further support from <\/strong><strong>T<\/strong><strong>he Baltic University Programme (BUP),<\/strong> we invite <strong>PhD and Master\u2019s students and other early-career researchers<\/strong> to apply for the ACT! Summer School 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ACT Summer School offers an intensive, interdisciplinary learning experience focused on <strong>land-use and land-cover change (LUCC)<\/strong>. It integrates <strong>Earth observation, spatial data integration, and modelling approaches<\/strong> with the analysis of <strong>actors, policies, and governance processes<\/strong> shaping land-use decisions under conditions of climate change and biodiversity loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concept and Program Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The School is grounded in a conceptual framework that links <strong>systematic land-use observation and modelling<\/strong> with <strong>decision-making and governance across scales<\/strong>. This framework draws in particular on approaches developed within the <strong>LAND project<\/strong>, including <strong>telecoupling and coupled human\u2013natural systems perspectives<\/strong>, the use of <strong>harmonised LUCC datasets<\/strong>a <strong>scenario-based and agent-based modelling tools<\/strong> for exploring land-use dynamics and policy impacts. These foundations are strengthened by contributions from <strong>SUNRISE<\/strong>, which brings experience in <strong>living-lab approaches and resilience-oriented training<\/strong>, and from <strong>CS4Change<\/strong>, which adds <strong>citizen science and participatory monitoring perspectives<\/strong> to enhance the societal relevance and uptake of land-use evidence. Collaboration with <strong>T<\/strong><strong>he<\/strong> <strong>Baltic University Programme<\/strong> situates the School within a long-standing tradition of sustainability education and regional academic cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across the programme, participants will engage with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Land-use observation<\/strong>, including satellite remote sensing, in-situ surveys, and drone-based data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spatial data processing and modelling<\/strong>, including scenario analysis, agent-based models, and modelling cards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Telecoupling frameworks<\/strong> for analysing multi-scale land-use dynamics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Governance instruments and decision-support approaches<\/strong> connecting data and models with policy contexts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Participatory research and living-lab methods<\/strong>, including citizen science and co-design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Structure of the Summer School<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Phase 1 \u2013 Framing Sustainable Land-Use Challenges (Day 1)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This phase introduces participants to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Global and European LUCC dynamics and sustainability challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Telecoupled land systems<\/strong> a <strong>coupled human\u2013natural systems<\/strong> frameworks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Governance, management, and policy dimensions of sustainable land use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants are introduced to the <strong>Europe-LAND analytical logic<\/strong>, group research themes, and local case study landscapes through field excursions in and around Tartu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Phase 2 \u2013 Observation and Analysis of Land-Use Change (Days 2\u20133)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This phase focuses on <strong>land-use observation and modelling<\/strong>, emphasizing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Satellite-based LUCC monitoring (optical and radar data)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Big data, AI, and machine-learning approaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrated Agricultural Control System (IACS): <strong>technical, legal, political, and scientific perspectives<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disturbance dynamics (forest fires, wetlands) and ecosystem resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drone-based data collection and spatial analytics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hands-on sessions use <strong>QGIS, Google Earth Engine, modelling cards, and Europe-LAND datasets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Phase 3 \u2013 Policies, Governance, and Research Methods (Day 4)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This phase connects land-use science with <strong>governance instruments and decision-making processes<\/strong>, covering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>EU land-use and agricultural policies (CAP, IACS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Agent-based modelling<\/strong> for land-use scenarios<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy analysis and <strong>foresight methods<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Living labs<\/strong> and participatory research for socio-ecological systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The focus is on translating scientific insights into <strong>policy-relevant and societally robust knowledge<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Phase 4 \u2013 Group Research Projects and Synthesis (Days 5\u20138)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants work in interdisciplinary groups on applied research projects addressing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drivers and patterns of LUCC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scenario development for biodiversity and climate adaptation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decision-support interfaces for end users<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remote sensing and drone applications in agriculture and landscape management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications of <strong>Europe-LAND tools, models, and spatial datasets<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Groups develop <strong>research or solution-oriented proposals<\/strong>, present results, and receive feedback from faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tangible Outputs<\/strong><strong> and Certification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Summer School concludes with group presentations, synthesis discussions, and graduation. Successful participants will receive an <strong>ACT Summer School Certificate of Completion<\/strong> a <strong>2 ECTS<\/strong>. Participants and faculty are encouraged to further develop outputs into <strong>scientific publications, policy briefs, or project proposals<\/strong>, particularly within the <strong>Europe-LAND and SUNRISE research ecosystems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learning Outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the end of the ACT Summer School, participants will be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understand <strong>land-use and land-cover change<\/strong> as a <strong>telecoupled socio-ecological process<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply <strong>Earth observation, GIS, and modelling tools<\/strong> to LUCC analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Critically assess <strong>policy, governance, and institutional drivers<\/strong> of land-use change<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design <strong>actionable, policy-relevant research<\/strong> at the science\u2013policy\u2013practice interface<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary and international research teams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicate land-use research results to <strong>policy makers, practitioners, and stakeholders<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Faculty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prof. S. Jayakumar<\/strong>, Pondicherry University (India) \u2013 Fire ecology, remote sensing and GIS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr. Natalia Morandeira<\/strong>, Universidad Nacional de San Mart\u00edn (Argentina) \u2013 Wetlands, landscape connectivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prof. Danka Morav\u010d\u00edkov\u00e1<\/strong>, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (Slovakia) \u2013 Coupled human\u2013natural systems, telecoupling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr. \u0141ukasz Nazarko<\/strong>, Bia\u0142ystok University of Technology (Poland) \u2013 Policy analysis and foresight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr. M\u0101ris Narti\u0161s<\/strong>, University of Latvia (Latvia) \u2013 Agent-based modelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prof. Alexander Prischepov<\/strong><strong>, Aaurhus University and Copenhagen University (Denmark) \u2013 Land-use systems science, land abandonment, LUCC data and modelling<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr. Raul Sampaio De Lima<\/strong>, Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia) \u2013 Remote sensing, drones, ecosystem resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prof. Kalev Sepp<\/strong>, Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia) \u2013 Landscape ecology, biodiversity, field studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prof. Anton Shkaruba<\/strong>, Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia) \u2013 Sustainable land-use governance, telecoupling, LUCC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr. P\u0159emek \u0160tych<\/strong>, Charles University (Czech Republic) \u2013 Copernicus data, LUCC modelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prof. Nicolaos Theodossiou<\/strong>, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) \u2013 LUCC decision support tool, LUCC data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr. Ferdinando Urbano<\/strong>, Joint Research Centre, European Commission (Italy) \u2013 IACS, CAP, land-use policy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ruthi Veibiakkim<\/strong>, Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia) \u2013 Living labs, participatory research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Franziska Wolf<\/strong>, Hamburg University of Life Sciences (Germany) \u2013 Europe-LAND project lead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Application process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Details about the application procedure are available from the ACT! Summer School website <a href=\"\/cs\/www.europe-land.eu\/event\/summer-school\/\">www.europe-land.eu\/event\/summer-school<\/a>. The application form is open and available from <a href=\"\/cs\/www.europe-land.eu\/event\/summer-school\/\">www.europe-land.eu\/event\/summer-school<\/a>. Important dates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Application Deadline: 15 March 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Acceptance Notification: 15 April 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participant Confirmation Deadline: 30 April 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Financial information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accommodation shall be covered by participants; rooms in the university residence (<a href=\"https:\/\/rohemucampus.ee\/en\/dormitories\/#rohemu-torn\">https:\/\/rohemucampus.ee\/en\/dormitories\/#rohemu-torn<\/a>, 2 persons per room) will be available at 30 EUR\/night\/person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Na pokryt\u00ed n\u00e1klad\u016f se \u00fa\u010dastn\u00edk\u016fm doporu\u010duje po\u017e\u00e1dat o stipendium Erasmus+ nebo jin\u00e9 stipendium od sv\u00e9 domovsk\u00e9 univerzity. Obra\u0165te se pros\u00edm na koordin\u00e1tora programu International\/Erasmus na sv\u00e9 domovsk\u00e9 univerzit\u011b. Podklady (Letter of Acceptance atd.) poskytne hostitelsk\u00e1 univerzita na vy\u017e\u00e1d\u00e1n\u00ed. Pro studenty z univerzit \u00fa\u010dastn\u00edc\u00edch se BUP existuje omezen\u00e1 mo\u017enost \u00fahrady ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed, pokud nemohou z\u00edskat jin\u00e9 finan\u010dn\u00ed prost\u0159edky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Coffee breaks and lunches during the classes will be provided for free. Other meals shall be covered by the participants. All the relevant information will be available soon from the summer school website <a href=\"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/event\/summer-school\/\">https:\/\/www.europe-land.eu\/event\/summer-school<\/a>; some practical info is available from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emu.ee\/en\/campus-and-life-in-tartu\">https:\/\/www.emu.ee\/en\/campus-and-life-in-tartu<\/a>, and information about Tartu can be found on <a href=\"https:\/\/visittartu.com\/\">https:\/\/visittartu.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contributing projects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ACT! Summer School is organised in the frame of the Europe-LAND and SUNRISE projects. Europe-LAND is funded by the European Union\u2019s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. The SUNRISE project is funded by the European Union\u2019s Erasmus+ programme through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The Summer School also benefits from support by The Baltic University Programme (BUP) and from the CS4Change project (Transformative Impact of Citizen Science on Environmental Governance: a systematic analysis of Perspectives and Pathways), funded by the Estonian Research Council (grant no. PRG2632).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the details will be available from the School\u2019s website&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/?post_type=tribe_events&amp;p=1641&amp;preview=true\">https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/event\/summer-school\/<\/a>. For any remaining inquiries, please contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dotazy t\u00fdkaj\u00edc\u00ed se online registrace: <a href=\"mailto:minami.tsuchikura@haw-hamburg.de\">Pan\u00ed Minami Tsuchikira<\/a>&nbsp;(Europe-LAND\/Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, N\u011bmecko)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro dotazy t\u00fdkaj\u00edc\u00ed se programov\u00e1n\u00ed, ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed a konkr\u00e9tn\u00edho m\u00edsta: <a href=\"mailto:anton.shkaruba@emu.ee\">Dr. Anton Shkaruba<\/a> (Estonsk\u00e1 zem\u011bd\u011blsk\u00e1 univerzita, Estonsko)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Foto: Kaarel K\u00f5vatu<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ACT! Summer School SeriesObservation, Modelling and Acting for Sustainable Land-Use in the Context of Climate Change and BiodiversityTartu, Estonia | August 10\u201317, 2026 Organized in&hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1642,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"featured_image_url":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/V3-1-150x150.png","medium":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/V3-1-300x75.png","medium_large":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/V3-1-768x192.png","large":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/V3-1-1024x256.png","1536x1536":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/V3-1-1536x384.png","2048x2048":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/V3-1.png","trp-custom-language-flag":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/V3-1-18x5.png"},"post_author":"Megan Curling","assigned_categories":"News","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/V3-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Megan Curling","author_link":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/participant\/mcurling\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1650"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1678,"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1650\/revisions\/1678"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe-land.eu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}