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Fourth Network School in Potsdam, Germany

Multi-facet Science: data, models, infrastructure, industry and communication

The Fourth Network School “Multi-facet Science: data, models,
infrastructure, industry and communication “was organized at the GFZ
German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany, from 27 to 31 May
2024. The course covered a variety of subjects and presented
examples in data analysis, numerical modeling, analogical approaches,
and the use of infrastructures for science, highlighting them as key
elements for multi-scale science. The course included both scientific
and technological aspects, presented through relevant application
cases such as source modeling through the integration of
multidisciplinary approaches and multiparametric data. One relevant
aspect was represented by examples of cooperation involving industry
and small-medium enterprises, aimed in particular to present how
scientific knowledge contributes to define industrial advance.
The course also focused on additional skills such as project
management, research leadership, and effective communication.
Additional transferable and soft skills included project scouting,
reading project calls, project preparation and writing, career planning,
and goal setting. Finally, non-academic contributions were addressed,
including business-oriented planning and organization, cost and time
management, value engineering, and work-life balance.
One day was dedicated to visit Berlin, including a river tour designed to
showcase the many facets of the city from a different perspective. This
trip also provided an opportunity to continue discussions involving the
teachers and the students.
The IMPROVE 4th School in Potsdam was attended by 19 students,
represented by the 15 IMPROVE ESRs plus other 4 external students.

Elisabeth Glück
After more than 2 years into the project, the network school in Potsdam was a great opportunity to catch up with the other ESRs scientifically but also
on a personal level. The lectures during the week were very diverse in their topics, but since IMPROVE taught us over the last years to understand and
talk the interdisciplinary “language” of volcanology it was an interesting mix for everyone.
The last day of the school was dedicated to career development, which included a workshop on how to give an elevator-pitch. I never thought of
practicing this, but after a couple of rehearsals in a speed-dating format with the whole group the “ehms” and “hmmms” got less and now I know how
to get my point across in a short amount of time - something that is useful in any career.
Even more interdisciplinary than the lectures was our field trip: We didn't climb on volcanoes or do field measurements this time, but we visited Berlin –
doing a boat tour, going to a classical concert and discovering the city with its history was also nice for a change and a fun day with the whole group.

Fourth/sixth Specialized Short Course in Pontedera (Pisa), Italy

Geochemical and Geophysical Methods for Volcano Monitoring
and Geothermal Exploration

The IMPROVE course on “Geochemical and Geophysical Methods for
Volcano Monitoring and Geothermal Exploration” took place at the
West Systems s.r.l in Pontedera (Pisa), Italy, from September 30 to
October 3, 2024, and was organized by Dr. Giulio Bini (IMPROVE ESR
and Course Director), Dr. Giancarlo Tamburello and Dr. Antonio Costa
from INGV Bologna, and Leonardo Coppo from West Systems s.r.l.
This course trained the participants on the basic concepts of
geochemical and geophysical volcano monitoring and geothermal
exploration by using ground- and drone-based data acquisitions.
Participants had hands-on opportunities to conduct measurements of
the soil CO2 emission and temperature at the Biancane geothermal
area (Larderello, Italy). They then applied statistical methods to
process this data, which allowed them to map and quantify gas
emissions and estimate the geothermal potential of the area.
The course was attended by 16 participants, including 6 Early Stage
Researchers from the IMPROVE project. The other 10 participants
came from various European and African (Algeria) research
institutions, and from industry partners of IMPROVE, such as