The programme brought together students and academic teachers from different countries and disciplines, creating a space for the exchange of knowledge, experience and approaches to solving environmental, social and economic challenges. Participants analysed water management issues in post-industrial areas using, among other methods, the DPSIR framework, data analysis, information databases and nature-based solutions.
The work carried out in international and interdisciplinary teams was a particularly important element of the programme. Students representing different fields of study and universities jointly analysed real environmental challenges related to the Ruhr region, the Sokołówka River and the city of Cork, developing solution proposals concerning, among other things, river and river valley protection, water retention, the revitalisation of post-industrial sites, as well as spatial development.
Aldrin from University College Cork described his experience of the programme as follows:
Working in an interdisciplinary team also allowed me to learn how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and countries. As a Master's student in Geoinformatics, this experience further strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in water management and river-related issues, particularly through the use of GIS and remote sensing technologies.
Organising and participating in the BIP Water in Postindustrial Regions gave me the opportunity to present river valley issues from the perspective of a natural scientist and to work within an interdisciplinary, international team. After an intensive week of online activities, during which participants developed proposals for interdisciplinary research projects, students and lecturers met in person at RUB in Bochum and continued their work on topics related to water resources. This gave us the opportunity not only to get to know one another better, but also to engage in discussions and exchange experiences from different European cities. I believe this event will lead to further educational and research cooperation within the UNIC Alliance
– adds Dr Natalia Ratajczyk (Department of Biogeography, Paleoecology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz).
Field classes conducted in the Ruhr region, particularly in the Emscher River Valley, provided an opportunity to confront theoretical knowledge with practical experience and to observe how the long-term transformation of industrial areas influences contemporary water and spatial management.
Students of the Environmental Protection programme, as well as a student of Biotechnology, from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, participated in the programme.
About the Programme
The BIP Water in Postindustrial Regions was not only an opportunity to acquire knowledge but, above all, a platform for international cooperation, interdisciplinary dialogue and the joint search for solutions to environmental challenges. The experience gained during the programme provides a foundation for further educational and research cooperation between the partner universities.
Source and photos: Dr Natalia Ratajczyk (Department of Biogeography, Paleoecology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
Edit: Mateusz Kowalski (Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
