The BESIDE Autumn School 2026 will take place from 26 to 30 October at the University of Aveiro, under the theme “Digital Tools and Serious Games for Nature Restoration: Bridging Science, Policy and Practice.”

Organised within the framework of the BESIDE project, this five-day advanced training course, taught in English, will explore how digital innovation can help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical restoration action, while supporting evidence-based decision-making and the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation.

As part of the BESIDE project’s objectives to promote innovative approaches to the sustainable management of natural resources, this activity will give participants hands-on experience with two complementary tools developed in EU-funded projects: the RESTORE4Cs Decision Support Tool, designed to support restoration planning and prioritisation in coastal wetlands, and the A-AAGORA Serious Game, which explores stakeholder perspectives, negotiation processes and collaborative approaches to coastal resilience and ecosystem restoration.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in lectures, practical workshops, serious-game sessions, collaborative discussions, a field trip and a final co-creation forum. The course will be led by Ana Lillebø (CESAM, University of Aveiro), Christoph Schröder (ETC, University of Malaga), Anis Guelmami (Tour du Valat), Frederike Tirre (CAU, University of Kiel) and Dennis Nissen (Naymspace Software).

Participation is free of charge and limited to 15 participants. Applications will be selected based on the motivation presented in the registration form.

Registrations are open until 22 September 2026.