Ithaka Institut

Allgemeine Informationen

19 excellent young scientists have been selected to participate in the 2end European Biochar Summer School in Valais, Switzerland. 16 internationally recognized speakers from all prominent fields of biochar research will share their knowledge and passion in extended workshops during the first week of September 2013. It is co-organised by the EU-COST Action, EBRN and the Ithaka Institute. 

Learning objectives

At the end of the workshop, the students should be familiar with the current state of biochar research regarding:

  • Characterisation of biochar
  • Behaviour of biochar in soil and its interaction with soil biota, plants and clay mineral complexes
  • The differences between freshly produced and aged biochars and their short and long term impacts on environment and soils
  • The stakes of biochar use in agriculture and other industrial use scenarios.
  • Potential negative implications of biochar use
  • General level of uncertainty in biochar science
  • The production of biochar and how to influence its quality with varying production parameters
  • How to use biochar in agricultural systems
  • How to sample biochar
  • How to evaluate any hazardous contamination
  • How to set up a field trial, analyse the results and discuss them
  • The evaluation of biochar value for the market

Travel and Accommodation:

The participants meet on 1st September 2013 at 6 pm in Geneva. Two hours bus ride to Ayent. All students are accommodated in a beautiful mountain chalet (http://www.chaletwildhorn.com/) in double bed rooms. Most of the meals are included and organised by the host. In the morning of 7th September, the participants will be brought back to Geneva by bus.

Participation fee and scholarships:

The registration fee of 500 € covers full participation, accommodation, and most of the meals. Thanks to the support by the EU-COST Action “Biochar as option for sustainable resource management” participants may apply for scholarships covering the total or partial amount of the fee. However, this cannot be guaranteed for all participants. Travel expenses may be covered exceptionally for applicants from low and middle income countries. However, we encourage every participant to apply for an individual travel scholarship at private or public foundations.

Application procedure:

Application is closed. 

Contact:

Hans-Peter Schmidt
Ithaka Institute for Carbon Cycling, Ecosystem Remediation and Winegrowing
Ancienne Eglise 9, CH-1974 Arbaz, Switzerland
summerschool@delinat-institut.org

www.delinat-institut.org/en/summerschool