With this course, we aim at providing the participants with the basics of lichen biology and ecology, biomonitoring and data analysis methods to allow the use of lichens for the interpretation of the environmental conditions and the development of a responsible scientific-based environmental management.

Currently, climate changes or alterations are known to be reflected on the stable isotope ratios of Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Carbon, Oxygen and Sulphur present in atmospheric gas forms, fresh or ocean water, as well as in plants and animals and organic matter in the soil. Samples from those matrices can provide a record for such changes across a given length of time and / or space. Also, ecological and physiological processes often reflect on stable isotope ratios, again setting a record in plant, animal or other living tissues.

This course offers an overview of the different ways to measure biodiversity, and provides tips for the stratification of primary biodiversity data and the construction of variables that describe its various facets. It also includes an in-depth review of the different types of data used to measure biodiversity and their problems and limitations.

Date: June 24th, 2019 to June 28th, 2019
Deadline for Applications: May 31st, 2019

This is a mostly practical course offering an overview on different community ecology and macroecological methods and software. These will include all steps of a research project, from the optimal sampling of communities to process inference from large-scale patterns of taxon, phylogenetic and functional diversity.

Phylogeography is one of the recent scientific areas emergent from the dissemination of highthrouput technologies of sequencing starting in the 90’s of the XXth century, with the consequent development of intra-specific genetic variance analysis and its geographic distribution. The analysis of phylogeographic data allows to study the processes of population differentiation and the underlying evolutionary and demographic history. Applications of this body of knowledge go from conservation genetics to the study of the evolution of species and populations.

Nature-based approach to Design solutions for a more resilient future aims to support societies address a variety of environmental, social and economic challenges in sustainable ways. This approach relies on actions that are inspired by, supported by or copied from Nature. Nature-based solutions use the features and complex system processes of nature, such as its ability to store carbon and regulate water flow, to achieve desired outcomes, such as reduced disaster risk, improved human well-being and socio-ecological inclusiveness.

Science is increasingly more present in our everyday decisions, with a fundamental role in global problems. Scientists, as the main actors in the production of scientific knowledge, have the responsibility of having an active voice in communicating this knowledge – and that can be achieved for example by a conscious use of the communication tools at their disposal and a better articulation with journalists, among other means.

The goal of this course is to provide the participants with current and practical knowledge on urban ecology, including ecological and social aspects. It aims at providing an integrated approach on urban socio-ecological systems. The focus of the course will extend from learning how to assess ecosystem services, the use of ecological indicators, to evaluate the status and trends of the environment, as well as, people’s perceptions and knowledge regarding biodiversity and ecosystem services.