Registrations are now open for the BESIDE Autumn School 2026, which will take place from 26 to 30 October at the University of Aveiro.
Under the theme “Digital Tools and Serious Games for Nature Restoration: Bridging Science, Policy and Practice”, this five-day training programme, taught in English, will explore how digital innovation can support nature restoration, evidence-based decision-making and the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation.
As part of the BESIDE project’s objectives to promote innovative approaches to the sustainable management of natural resources, this activity will give participants hands-on experience with two complementary tools developed in EU-funded projects: the RESTORE4Cs Decision Support Tool, designed to support restoration planning and prioritisation in coastal wetlands, and the A-AAGORA Serious Game, which explores stakeholder perspectives, negotiation processes and collaborative approaches to coastal resilience and ecosystem restoration. This course is also aligned with LifeWatch ERIC’s Thematic Services on habitat mapping and ecosystem services.
The programme combines lectures, practical activities, serious-game sessions, collaborative discussions, a field trip and a final co-creation forum. It will be led by Ana Lillebø (CESAM, University of Aveiro), Christoph Schröder (ETC, University of Malaga), Anis Guelmami (Tour du Valat), Frederike Tirre (CAU, University of Kiel) and Dennis Nissen (Naymspace Software).
Participation is free of charge, but places are limited to 15 participants. Applications will be selected based on the motivation provided in the registration form.
Applications are open until 22 September 2026.
