COLOURS | International Summer School wrap-up
The COLOURS International Summer School, held on-site from 25 to 30 May 2025, concluded with a rich mix of emotions, satisfaction, and enhanced knowledge.
The event gathered 50 students, professors, and researchers from six COLOURS partner universities across six countries. This diverse group spent six intensive days engaged in activities, workshops, field studies, and fun. Organised in collaboration with the Consortium of Bonifica Pianura (The Ferrara Plains Reclamation Consortium), co-organiser of the Summer School, participants visited the historic reclamation plant of Marozzo and its eco-museum. They also explored the Wetland Contract (WC) as a governance tool for integrated wetland management. To deepen their understanding, the group visited the Ancient Delta Museum in Comacchio, guided by director Marco Bruni.
During workgroup sessions, students examined the impacts of climate change on the Delta Po region, which faces the threat of submersion under current conditions. The four groups brainstormed solutions to mitigate negative impacts and transform them into positive opportunities for the region, such as using the Blue Crab, an "invasive species," as a local specialty to attract tourists.
To raise awareness about climate change, students created an art collage under the guidance of Fanzine artists. Their artistic expressions were showcased during an exhibition on 30th June, allowing the public to explore the Delta Po through artistic lenses in painting, modern art, and photography, and to interact with the international students. The activity received positive feedback from visitors, including two high school students, Greta and Eliana from Ariosto High School, who expressed their gratitude: "The COLOURS Summer School exhibition helped me understand the real life of university students. I hope to be like them, going to other countries and learning new cultures. The event is evidence of an open door to the future, offering opportunities to broaden our views by studying in an international environment."
The COLOURS alliance adopts a challenge-based approach, addressing local issues like the impact of climate change on the Delta Po, and tackling them with scientists and students while raising public awareness. This model benefits both the local community and students, who gain hands-on experience with real-life projects and contribute to the region.
In addition to practical experience, participants attended lectures from professors of Unife and COLOURS partners. Special thanks to our experts:
Keynote Speakers:
- Piergiorgio Cipriano - Professor at Unife (Italy)
- Gianfranco Franz - Professor at Unife (Italy)
- Jeroen Warner - Professor at Wageningen University (Netherlands)
Lecturers:
- Davide Carnevale - Researcher and Lecturer at Unife (Italy)
- Alberto Diantini - Researcher and Lecturer at Unife (Italy)
- Sinisa Ozimec - Professor at University of Osijek (Croatia)
- Benoit Schoefs - Professor at University of Le Mans (France)
- Ivan Kelic - Professor at University of Osijek (Croatia)
- Aleksander Trajkov - Professor at University St. Clement Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia)
- Francisco Javier Marti - Professor at University of Castilla La Mancha (Spain)
- Ivanka Nestoroska - Professor at University St. Clement Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia)
- Estrella Sanchez - Professor at University of Castilla La Mancha (Spain)
- Biljana Činčurak Erceg - Professor at University of Osijek (Croatia)
Fanzine Artists: Costanza Parigi, Clayton Junior
Artists: Andreco, Barbara Matera, Iside Calcagnile
Exhibition Curators: Davide Carnevale, Titiana Basso
The programme was conducted by the following team:
- COLOURS Programme Coordinator: Sandrine Labory
- Programme Chairs: Gianfranco Franz, Giuseppe Scandurra
- Scientific Coordinator and Project Advisor: Davide Carnevale
- Tutors: Katie Thy Tran, Alice Marcon
- Communication and Registration: Katie Thy Tran
- Unife COLOURS Implementation Office: Alessia Bitti, Nicoleta Panait, Elisa Pampolini, Alice Marcon
- COLOURS Students: Piergiorgio Mazzotti, Sofia Cordioli, Luca Fichera, Irene Baldi, Masoud Arefmanesh, Elena Valona di Mascio
About the Consortium of Bonifica Pianura (The Ferrara Plains Reclamation Consortium): The Consortium is a public law entity established on 1st October 2009 by Regional Law No. 5 of 24th April 2009. It unites the four reclamation consortia of Ferrara. It is the largest in Italy both in terms of the size of its contributors and the number of people involved. The consortium ensures, within its area, the drainage of rainwater from agricultural and urban areas through a complex network of channels and reclamation plants. It also guarantees the distribution of water for agricultural irrigation and environmental purposes.
About COLOURS
COLOURS is an alliance of nine European universities, including Unife, dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in higher education. The alliance aims to enhance the quality of education and research through joint activities, shared resources, and mutual support.
The COLOURS alliance is dedicated to organising more activities, including additional micro-credential courses, workshops, student exchanges, double degrees, joint degrees, and conferences. Stay tuned to the COLOURS website and our social networks to ensure you don't miss out on these exciting opportunities!