News

Call for Applications - iNNO SED Summer School 2026

24th February 2026

“Innovating River Futures:
From Sediment Science to Field Action”

Location: GÖD, Hungary
Dates: 28 June – 3 July 2026
Application Deadline: 01 April 2026

The Global Water Partnership Central and Eastern Europe (GWP CEE), together with the iNNO SED project coordinator Budapest University of Technology and Economics and other project partners, is pleased to announce the iNNO SED Summer School 2026. This unique programme brings together emerging scientists, young professionals, and advanced students to deepen their understanding of river flows, sediment transport, hydro morphology, innovative sediment measurement and monitoring techniques, novel hydro morphological assessment methods as well as different sediment management approaches. Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 summer school places sediment science and management at the heart of river sustainability challenges.
All images provided by GWP CEE & iNNO SED.
Sediment transport is a fundamental process in shaping river morphology, ecological functioning, and the resilience of river basins. Through its natural movement and deposition, sediments shape river morphology, support habitats, regulate nutrient dynamics, and contribute to floodplain connectivity. Human interventions such as dam construction, river regulation, and land-use change have profoundly disrupted sediment continuity, resulting in riverbed incision, habitat degradation, and increased vulnerability to hydrological extremes. As a cross-cutting discipline linking physical processes with environmental management and policy, sediment science provides essential knowledge for integrated and sustainable river basin management. Placing sediment balance at the centre of river management enables science-based, actionable water management solutions and increased resilience of waterways.

Who Can Apply?

 
 

We welcome applications from:

  • MSc and PhD students in hydrology, environmental science, water resource management, geomorphology, civil and environmental engineering, ecology, policy, social sciences and related fields;
  • Young professionals (up to 5 years of experience) working on water, rivers, sediment, climate resilience, or catchment management.

NOTE: Applicants must be fluent in English (written & spoken).

 

 

Objectives

The iNNO SED Summer School aims to:

  • Enhance participants’ knowledge of sediment processes, measurement, monitoring, and integrated assessments;
  • Explore innovative sediment science tools and participatory approaches applicable at river basin scale;
  • Work on real river challenges through interdisciplinary group work, and field visits;
  • Strengthen collaboration across sectors.

 

Programme Highlights

Participants will:

  • Learn from expert lectures and practical sessions led by project partners, researchers, and practitioners;
  • Engage in hands-on data analysis, assessment methods, and decision support tools relevant to sediment and river management;
  • Participate in field visits to observe sediment dynamics and management interventions in situ;
  • Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to develop solution-oriented proposals to real river basin challenges;
  • Receive mentorship and guidance throughout the programme.

 

Cost & Benefits

All selected participants will receive support covering:

  • Programme participation and learning activities
  • Accommodation and meals during the summer school
  • Field trip expenses
  • Travel subsidy (up to 250 EUR/person)

 

Insurance

The organizers do not provide insurance and do not take responsibility for any loss, accident or illness that might occur during the Summer School or in the course of travel to or from the site. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the participants to check their coverage with their insurance provider.

 (Further coverage and logistics will be confirmed in the participant information package).

 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following by 01 April 2026

Applicants should apply by email only attaching the below:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
  2. Motivation Video

Instead of a written motivation letter, applicants are asked to submit a short video (1–2 minutes).

In your video, please tell us:

  • Who you are (name, studies/job, organisation, country)
  • Why you are interested in sediment science, rivers, and river futures
  • How participating the iNNO SED Summer School 2026 would support your studies or career

Note: Please appear in the video yourself (no slideshows or voice-over only). Keep it simple, authentic, and to the point – we want to hear you.

Technical guidelines:

  • Length: 1–2 minutes (please stick to the time limit)
  • Language: English
  • Format: Any common video format (e.g. MP4, MOV)
  • Recording: Smartphone, laptop, or webcam is perfectly fine – no professional setup needed

How to submit:

  • Upload your video to a cloud platform (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or YouTube)
  • Share the link in your application
  • Make sure the video is accessible without special permissions
  • Send the above documents to: gwpcee@gwpcee.org

  • Subject line: iNNO SED Summer School 2026 — Application [Your Name]

 

Selection & Notification

Successful candidates will be notified by 17 April 2026.

 

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by the selection committee based on the following criteria

  • Motivation and interest in sediment science, river systems, and sustainable river futures, and their alignment with the objective of the Summer School, as demonstrated in the motivation video;
  • Relevance of academic or professional background or demonstrated experience related to the themes of the Summer School (sediment processes, river management, water, environment, policy, or related fields);
  • Potential benefit and impact of the Summer School for the applicant’s studies, career path, or professional development;
  • Ability to contribute to an interdisciplinary and international learning environment, including openness to teamwork and collaboration;
  • Quality and clarity of communication in English, sufficient for active participation, particularly in the motivation video;
  • Diversity considerations, including disciplinary background, geographic representation, gender balance, and career stage, with the aim of ensuring a balanced cohort.

 

Contact Information

For questions or further information, please email: gwpmo@gwpmo.hu

Stay tuned to our social media accounts for updates on the iNNO SED Summer School 2026 programme, and confirmed experts!

By joining the iNNO SED Summer School 2026, you will be part of a dynamic learning experience focused on turning sediment science into action for healthier, more resilient rivers — a vital frontier for sustainable water futures.