EMBC students explore the biodiversity of the Cretan coast near Heraklion: summer schools

The EMBC Master programme (International Master of Science in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation - jointly organized by Ghent University, University of Bremen, University of the Algarve, University Pierre and Marie Curie - Paris 06, University of Oviedo, University of Klaipèda and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology) organizes annually since 2008 a summer school for all students enrolled in the first year of the two year-long programme. Teachers at the EMBC summer school 2013 from the Marine Biology Research Group (Ghent University) are Nele De Meester, Eva Werbrouck, Anna-Maria Vafeiado and Dr. Tim Deprez. 

This year the 62 students are visiting the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) located in Heraklion (Crete). During ten days, students work in small groups on a wide range of topics dealing with the marine biodiversity found in the coastal waters nearby the institute (Figure on the left: Investigating bottom coverage using quadrants). Topics range from research on zooplankton, meiobenthos, fish diversity, zoobenthos and seagrass ecology. The diverse fieldwork experiences combined with advanced lab techniques offer the students opportunities to do real scientific research in a multi-cultural environment.

Visits to the Cretaquarium (including a “behind the scenes” tour) and excursions to Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga and Knossos offered the students a view of the rich cultural heritage of the Island.

After ten intense days, students present their outcomes through regular scientific communication products, like reports and presentations, as well as with a short movie documentary. Thanks to the help of experts from the EMBC partner universities and the local scientists at HCMR, this fifth EMBC summer school will be a milestone in the study career of this generation of EMBC students.

Read more on the EMBC website (http://www.embcplus.org) or go to previous News items from these students.