Call of interest
Study Guide
Introduction
The Training and Lifelong Learning Center (TLLC) of Democritus University of Thrace organizes the Lifelong Learning Program entitled: “Summer School: Shaping Nature Based Solutions towards climate resilience and bioeconomy” from 22-06-2026 to 26-06-2026. The scientific coordinator is Professor Spyridon Ntougias.
The program’s purpose
The overall objective of the WATERWISE FUTURES: Designing Tomorrow’s Water Solutions summer school is the transfer and synthesis of scientific knowledge to the current technical and socio-economic demands regarding the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions on the water-climate pillar in the context of bioeconomy development. In particular, the purpose of the summer school is to develop and establish a fruitful dialogue that will include strategies for wastewater reuse, nutrients recovery within the bioeconomy context, and the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for the green transition and resilience to climate change. Scientific evidence and tools developed under two relevant research projects (CIRQUA: https://cirqua-water.eu/; DESRIMED: https://www.desirmed.eu/) will be presented, along with the main pillars of the newly established Laboratory of Sanitary Engineering – Water & Wastewater Quality and of the Laboratories of Wastewater Management and Treatment Technologies as well as Ecological Engineering & Technology. The project addresses the incorporation of new scientific knowledge, the strengthening of participants’ professional profile and the harmonization of the learning skills at international level. The practical part of the program (technical, educational, field exercises) will provide a substantial understanding of issues related to protecting water resources, adopting bioeconomy practices and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Unmet Educational Need for the Program
The program addresses the growing need for knowledge and skills related to the use of alternative water resources, water recovery, and the enhancement of soil fertility, which are necessary both for meeting basic human needs and for strengthening the resilience of water ecosystems, particularly those affected by climate change, such as Mediterranean ecosystems. It responds to current techno-economic and social demands related to the resilience of water resources and aligns with European and international initiatives concerning sustainable water management. The innovative character of the program lies in its focus on Nature-Based Solutions for climate change adaptation and the sustainable use of natural resources such as water and biomass. In addition, participants become familiar with modern technological and research tools (platforms, monitoring systems, genomic tools, analytical techniques, and automation) that are relevant to the labour market. Another innovative aspect is the emphasis on field experience and practical demonstrations, as well as approaches such as citizen science and the co-development of solutions to common challenges at Mediterranean and European level. Overall, the program offers integrated practical training in bioeconomy and climate resilience, covering an important educational need for interdisciplinary knowledge and applied skills in environmental management and sustainable water resource use.
Key Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, participants will acquire the following:
Knowledge
Participants will be able to:
- Understand the mechanisms of sustainable water recovery systems.
- Analyze water–soil relationships under specific climatic conditions.
- Describe conventional and non-conventional solutions.
- Distinguish what Nature-Based Solutions are.
- Justify the most ecologically appropriate solutions and critically approach available options.
- Apply specific protocols of nature-based solutions.
Skills and know-how
Participants will be able to:
- Apply tools (platforms, techniques, etc.) at a professional level.
- Design solutions with the lowest possible environmental footprint.
- Capitalize on acquired knowledge in applications related to water resource management, waste utilization, nutrient recovery and reuse, restoration of the food chain, and climate change resilience.
- Examine sustainable climate change adaptation scenarios.
- Use bioeconomy and sustainable development practices.
Personal and social skills
Participants will develop skills that will help them:
- On a personal level, demonstrate responsibility in selecting technical solutions for environmental protection and become more aware of major environmental issues, while being able to synthesize new knowledge and analyze scientific data.
- On a social level, communicate the benefits of nature-based solutions and strengthen their social acceptance, contributing to society.
Target Audience
The program is addressed to engineers (environmental engineers, civil engineers, chemical engineers, etc.), graduates of Life Sciences and Agricultural Sciences, biotechnologists, as well as economists and sociologists specializing in collaboration with stakeholders. It focuses particularly on young researchers, doctoral candidates, students, and professionals interested in learning modern solutions for biomass utilization, wastewater treatment technologies, water recovery, soil fertility enhancement, ecosystem services, and the mitigation of climate change impacts. The program also aims to provide accessible knowledge and information relevant to end users and policy-making bodies.
Categories of candidates accepted – Prerequisite knowledge/ Entry requirements
Applications for participation can be submitted by engineers (environmental engineers, civil engineers, chemical engineers, etc.), graduates of Life Sciences and Agricultural Sciences, biotechnologists, as well as economists and sociologists specializing in collaboration with stakeholders. The program particularly targets young researchers, doctoral candidates, students, and professionals interested in modern solutions related to biomass utilization, wastewater treatment technologies, water recovery, soil fertility enhancement, ecosystem services, and climate change mitigation. The selection methodology is based on the evaluation of the candidate’s curriculum vitae and a letter of expression of interest. The program is delivered exclusively through in-person teaching, and the language of implementation is English.
Training material
The trainees are provided with PowerPoint presentations (including bibliography of at least five books/scientific articles) and access to a web platform that supports the educational material of the program.
Program Syllabus
Section 1. Water Resilience Strategy
Brief description: Introduction to strategies that enhance the resilience of water systems.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 2. Integrated Approaches at Local Scale for Enhancing Water Reuse Efficiency and Sustainable Soil Fertilization from Wastewater’s Recovered Nutrients
Brief description: Approaches that improve water reuse efficiency and promote sustainable soil fertilization through nutrients recovered from wastewater.
Teaching hours: 2 (theory and practical/laboratory exercise)
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 3. Ecohydrology and Nature-Based Solutions to Address Climate Change Challenges
Brief description: Ecohydrological approaches and nature-based solutions for addressing climate change challenges.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 4. Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater and Runoff Treatment
Brief description: Use of artificial wetlands for the treatment of wastewater and runoff water.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 5. Sustainable Municipal Wastewater Treatment and EU Compliance: The Role of Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors
Brief description: Sustainable treatment of municipal wastewater and compliance with EU regulations using anaerobic membrane bioreactors.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 6. Climate in Transition: Regional Impacts, Ecosystem Shifts and Future Projections
Brief description: Regional climate change impacts, ecosystem changes, and future projections.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 7. Microbial Ecology in Wastewater Treatment Systems
Brief description: Role of microbial ecology in wastewater treatment processes.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 8. Bioengineering Approaches for the Reduction of Excess Sludge Produced in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Brief description: Bioengineering techniques aimed at reducing excess sludge generated in wastewater treatment facilities.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 9. EU Policy for Nature Restoration
Brief description: European policy framework regarding ecological and nature restoration.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 10. Climatic Databases and Climatic Indicators to Address Climate Change
Brief description: Use of climatic databases and indicators for climate change analysis and response.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 11. From Agricultural Residues to Bioenergy: Bio-Inspired Solutions for a Climate-Resilient Bioeconomy
Brief description: Utilization of agricultural residues for bioenergy production within a resilient bioeconomy framework.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 12. Ecosystem Services for Coastal Protection
Brief description: Role of ecosystem services in protecting coastal areas.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 13. Coastal Ecohydraulic Practices for Beach Protection and Restoration
Brief description: Ecohydraulic practices for protecting and restoring coastal beaches from erosion.
Teaching hours: 2
Total workload hours: 3.5
ECTS credits: 0.1167
Section 14. Educational Visit – Sustainability Proposal Design
Brief description: Field visit and collaborative work focused on designing a sustainability proposal.
Teaching hours: 8
Total workload hours: 14.5
ECTS credits: 0.4833
Total teaching hours: 34
Total workload hours: 60
Total ECTS credits: 2
LIABILITIES
For successful completion of the program, participants must:
- A) Attend the teaching activities of the summer school. Participation in the program activities and coursework is required.
- B) Successfully complete the assessment, which includes participation in the summer school activities, group work, and individual assignments.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Training, with a duration of 60 hours, equivalent to 2 ECTS credits.
Participants who attend the program activities but do not successfully complete the assessment process will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Faculty
The faculty of the program consists of the following instructors:
Dr. Spyridon Ntougias, Professor, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Ifigeneia Kagkalou, Professor, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Georgios Sylaeos, Professor, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Paraschos Melidis, Professor, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Christos Akratos, Professor, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Evangelia Kostenidou, Assistant Professor, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Nikolaos Remmas, Assistant Professor, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Dionysios Latinopoulos, PhD, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Anastasia Mirli, PhD, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Nikolaos Kokkos, PhD, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Stamatios Petalas, PhD, University of the Aegean – Postdoctoral Researcher, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Ioannis Stavrakakis, PhD, Democritus University of Thrace
Dr. Anastasia Makri, PhD, Democritus University of Thrace
Participation Cost
No fees are required for the accepted participants.
Payment Instructions
Not applicable.
Admission and Selection Criteria
The maximum number of trainees in the program is 80, and the minimum number is 20.
For the evaluation of applications and the selection of candidates, the following criteria are followed:
- Evaluation of the candidate’s curriculum vitae
- Evaluation of the letter of expression of interest
Submission of applications and supporting documents
Applications open: 30.03.2026
Application deadline: 30.04.2026
Applications are submitted only electronically through the website https://kedivim.duth.gr/ . The electronic application constitutes a Declaration of Responsibility according to paragraph 4 of article 8 of law 1599/1986. The candidate, with their application, unreservedly accepts all the terms of the program, as stated in the public invitation/study guide of the program, in the study regulation and in the operating regulations of TLLC-DUTH ((https://kedivim.duth.gr/operfr/).
The required documents that the candidate must submit for participation in the Program at a minimum are:
- Copy of identity card or passport
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Letter of expression of interest
Objections will be accepted no later than 5 days after the publication of the list of admitted candidates.
In case the minimum required number of trainees is not reached, the Program Coordinator reserves the right to change the starting date of the program or cancel it, informing the trainees in a timely manner.
Contact details
For further information regarding the program please contact:
- Professor Spyridon Ntougias, Democritus University of Thrace
Email: sntougia@env.duth.gr
Telephone: +30 2541079313 - Professor Ifigeneia Kagkalou, Democritus University of Thrace
Email: ikagkalo@civil.duth.gr
Telephone: +30 2541079601
Administrative support is provided by Dimitra Matziri, PhD candidate of the Department of Environmental Engineering.
Σε περίπτωση που έχει υποβληθεί ξανά αίτηση σε κάποια άλλη πρόσκληση εκδήλωσης ενδιαφέροντος μετά την 01/07/2022, παρακαλώ συνδεθείτε πρώτα με τα στοιχεία που είχατε υποβάλει σε εκείνη την αίτησή σας και ύστερα προχωρήστε στην συμπλήρωση της νέας αίτησης.
