Welcome to the River University 2026
The River University is an open and international, interdisciplinary course, sharing river ecosystems knowledge via open access, wide availability and understandable-science platform in the Baltic Sea Region and Europe for a variety of participants - river stakeholders: academia staff and students, river practitioners, water-related institutions and official country representatives, consulting/business participants, landscape architects, municipalities, locals and individuals.
The River University supports institutional and official knowledge and was founded by Ewa Leś in 2018 under the wings of Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB), where it has been successfully developed through the co-organization with different CCB Member Organizations. The pilot case took place in Poland in 2018. It was then established internationally with the 1st edition in Poland (2020) and successfully continued with the 2nd edition in Lithuania (2021), the 3rd one in Estonia and the 4th edition in Germany. Always reacting on the current water issues in European and non-EU countries.
The international River University - 7th Edition:
The 7th edition of the River University will take place in Sweden, from 24-28 August 2026 focusing on Water resilience, exploring Aquatic Connectivity and Nature-Based Solution.
Join us for an immersive, five-day technical exchange hosted in the heart of Sweden. This event brings together water-related experts and practitioners to explore the frontline of water resilience, river restoration and climate adaptation. From the historic landscapes of Västerås to the expansive waters of Lake Mälaren, we will dive into the implementation and practicality of these topics, including the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) - through field evaluations of successful Swedish projects.
Highlights of the Week
- Case Studies in Action: Witness first-hand the technical challenges and ecological triumphs of dam removals and the installation of fish passes within both rural and urban contexts.
- Policy & Strategy: Deep-dive sessions into the S2S (Source-to-Sea) Guidelines and the strategic implementation of compensatory measures to combat hydromorphological pressures.
- Climate Resilience: Explore how
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are being utilized as a vital response to the shifting demands of climate change.
Unique Field Experiences: Engage with the landscape through a guided tour
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The co-organizer of our event this year is the
Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.
WHEN:
24th August (arrival) – 28th August 2026 (departure).
WHERE:
Sweden.
HOW:
As usual, we combine outdoor practical time with visits and lectures to offer a full boat of riverine knowledge which is delivered by the top nature guide, lecturers and practicioners for whom the river is an everyday occurrence.
The event is in English.
River University operates according to sustainable event management practices. For example, we avoided producing paper materials, favoured public or shared transport, and refrained from using single-use plastic. Tap water was preferred, and it was suggested to bring your thermos or cup.
WHO:
- We invite up to 15 participants from the EU and Eastern Partnership countries.
- Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems, rivers in particular was advantageous as the course was oriented towards exchanging knowledge amongst water-related sectors:
- River University is cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary, inviting practicioners, scientists, water-related institutions, researchers as well as businesses to collaborate. Contribution to the program is expected.
Participants are invited on the basis of an application form, to keep our group familiar and comfortable.
Participants are asked to share their concepts of initiatives or projects where the River University knowledge might be applied and supportive to ensure that River University with its participants delivered useful, applied knowledge that can be used in practice.
APPLICATION:
Open soon.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- The course is free of charge and the costs of participation (accommodation, travels, meals, lectures and outdoor activities) is covered by CCB. However, knowledge contribution from the participants is required as presented above: either during particular edition or during developing River University as a whole.
- CCB offers a refund for travel costs up to 150€, include carbon footprint-wise travel costs for participants from EU Member States, as well as from Eastern Partnership countries.
- CCB River University offers shared double bed for participants, lecturers and organisers and green dishes for people and planet's health.
- CCB travellers should choose the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. Read more at CCB Travel Policy.
- Tickets should be purchased only after coordination with the organizers.
CCB is not responsible for injury or loss of property during the River University 2026.
Originator and founder of River University/Rzeczny Uniwersytet (tested in 2018, established internationally in 2020). A biologist by profession, but looking towards people and their perception of the environment. Co-founder of Koalicja Ratujmy Rzeki/Save The Rivers Coalition (KRR), a social initiative for the protection of natural rivers in Poland, gathering the voices of ‘river stakeholders’ into one strong tone. Member of EEB water working group, Observer of International Commission for the Protection of the Odra River against Pollution. Co-creator and coordinator of the first Water Round Table in cooperation with the Polish Ministry of Environment (2009-2011). Engaged in creating a Partnership for the Baltic initiative (2007-2011). Particularly working in areas of transboundary rivers, water stakeholders inclusion and engagement, water conflicts, water democracy building. A supporter of NVC dialogue. She comes from her two parental organizations: Society of Friends of Ina and Gowienica rivers and EkoUnia Association.
~ Let’s go with the river flow and learn from each other! ~
Funded by:
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them
The River University is one of our annual events.
You can read more about the project and the previous or future editions.
