The IDEAL – Importance of water eDucation in the EuropeAn Elbe/Labe region project offers an interdisciplinary education program consisting of seven practice-oriented block courses (2–3 days each) starting from February 2026. The courses focus on key topics in water protection, including pharmaceuticals in wastewater, ecotoxicological methods, wastewater treatment, ecological assessment of water bodies, invasive plant species, sediment analysis, and geographic/GIS analysis of aquatic ecosystems. Taught at locations in Germany and the Czech Republic (Dresden, Prague, and Ústí nad Labem), the program is open to students from various disciplines, emphasizes comparison of methods and assessment approaches across borders.
To obtain certificates and, if applicable, academic credits (by arrangement), it is necessary to complete three modules at different universities.
Overview of modules:
- C1 Pharmaceuticals in wastewater (March 2026; TU Dresden)
- C2 Ecotoxicological Methods (February 2026; TU Dresden)
- C3 Aspects of wastewater treatment (May 2026; TU Dresden)
- C4 Ecological status of water bodies (May/Sep 2026; CZU Prague)
- C5 Invasive plant species (May/Sep 2026; CZU Prague)
- C6 Sediment analysis (April 2026; UJEP Usti nad Labem)
- C7 Geographical analysis / GIS (Sep 2026; UJEP Usti nad Labem)
YOU CAN REGISTER FOR THE COURSES VIA THE FORM HERE
CURRENT COURSES
C2 - Ecotoxicological Methods, in February 2026 at TU Dresden, Germany
The C2 – Ecotoxicological Methods course will take place in February 2026 at TU Dresden, Germany, and is aimed at students interested in assessing the (eco)toxic effects of water pollution. Participants will gain insight into relevant European legal frameworks (WFD, UWWTD), the structure and application of biotests (in vivo, in vitro, OECD, ISO), effect-based methods focusing on mutagenicity, hormonal activity and herbicide toxicity, as well as contaminants of emerging concern such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides. The course combines an online preparation day, one intensive laboratory day in Dresden, and a final online day dedicated to data analysis and evaluation. The course is taught in English, participation is free of charge, and the number of participants is limited to 16 students.
Wednesday, 25.02.2026, 9:30 to 17:00, at Dresden University of Technology
Friday, 27.02.2026, 9:00 to 15:00, online (incl. short questionnaire, evaluation of the course)