The program is an evidence-based, student-centered approach aiming to engage students in research experiences focused on environmental challenges facing the Danube River basin. The program consists of two interconnected activities, online and on-site (in-field), in the Danube River basin region: the Iron Gates, Danube Gorges. Guided by professors, both online and in the field, students will work together in international groups to develop problem-solving skills necessary to address real-world sustainability challenges and make a positive difference in their communities. During the field activity, students will engage in experience-based activities, by travelling to research sites along the Danube River basin and working together with scientists to carry out research on various environmental sustainability issues, including: geomorphology and slope stability, socio-economic issues, water chemical and microbiological status and biodiversity conservation. The collaborative work across disciplines will provide students the opportunity to develop their interdisciplinary competencies needed for addressing today's sustainability challenges. 

The physical mobility part will be running from 12 to 16 May 2025 and will be held in Bucharest, Faculty of Biology (University of Bucharest) Orsova, Orsova Geographical Research Station Center Romania (University of Bucharest).

Schedule of the physical part

This course uses project-based learning. Students will collaborate to prepare interdisciplinary research projects focusing on the ecological, social, and economic issues that impact the Danube River basin.

The 1-week field experience will include:

1. Hands-on and team-based field research related to the ecology, biodiversity of the Danube River, and social and economic issues
2. Training in specific field methods related to the assigned research topic
3. Participation in discussions with relevant stakeholders (local authorities, environmental protection agency, Orșova shipyard, Administration of the Iron Gates Natural Park Iron Gate) on environmental-related topics
4. Museum visits topic-related (Iron Gates Hydropower I Museum)
5. A post-field online project that encourages students to participate in environmental advocacy

The virtual part will be running from 1 April 2025 to 8 July 2025.

Moreover, the virtual component includes: pre-field (online course, spring semester 2025), field component (spring semester 2025), and post-field (online course, spring 2025). The pre-field introductory lectures will prepare students for the research activity. Before traveling, they will be familiarized with the research site, sampling strategies, methodologies, and various measured parameters: physical: pH, conductivity, oxygen, temperature; chemical: N species (total organic, inorganic), organic C (organic matter), metals, biological: invasive plant species, zoobenthos, microbial communities, pathogens; geomorphology, landscape, and soil evolution, GIS in field mapping. The post-field online component of the program will support students to engage in the preparation and communication of their multidisciplinary research results using their own data on environmental issues facing the Danube River basin and propose solutions for stakeholders.