Biodiversa+ is proud to support the 2026 Alternet Summer School, which will take place from 19 to 29 August 2026 in France, in the beautiful village of Peyresq, in the Alps of Haute-de-Provence.
This year’s theme is “Biodiversity and society: transforming science and policy”. Participants will explore the drivers of biodiversity loss, the crucial role of ecological knowledge, and the power of social science approaches. They will examine socio-ecological systems, discuss inclusive stakeholder engagement, and navigate the complex landscape of diverse values in research, practice, and policy.
This summer school is designed for post-graduate students and early-career professionals from environmental and social science fields passionate about sustainability. Active participation is expected from all attendees.
Costs and grants
Most of the costs of the Summer School are covered by Alternet and Biodiversa+ but students are asked to contribute 1,250€. This covers full attendance at the summer school and all local costs, including accommodation, meals, refreshments, and field trips.
A small number of grants are available to waive all or part of the fee for students from from countries with limited funding opportunities and one Ukrainian student. Contact Alternet Secretariat for details.
Biodiversa+ offers additional support for up to six Biodiversa project members (early career researchers). This covers registration fees and travel costs (upon successful application to the summer school). Contact Tatiana Thomas for details.
Registration is open until 20 April.
What to expect?
The Alternet Summer School provides a dynamic and interactive learning environment, including:
- Inspiring morning talks and discussions with leading experts.
- Collaborative afternoon group work on local socio-ecological systems.
- Informal “aperitif talks” before dinner.
- Engaging field trips to mountain pastures and the Mercantour National Park.
- Ample free time for networking and reflection.
Looking back: testimonies from the Alternet Summer School 2025
Orshi and Cloé, OT officers for Biodiversa+, both took part in the 2025 edition of the Alternet Summer School. They’ve returned with wonderful memories of ten enriching days spent in the French Alps.
Over the course of ten days, they met fellow researchers and teachers, exchanged ideas, brainstormed, and collaborated on topics related to transformative change. The program offered a variety of activities, ranging from talks to informal discussions, as well as group project work – all set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. The transdisciplinarity nature of the participants greatly enriched the exchanges, broadening perspectives and helping to break down traditional research silos.
Overall, Orshi and Cloé both emphasised how the experience encourages them to think outside the box, expanding conventional research approaches to include art-science collaborations, landscape mapping, flip interviews, and theatrical or sound-based communication. Movement itself becomes part of the thinking process, bringing a physical dimension to intellectual reflection.
The Alternet Summer School is a rare space for critical reflection, a unique bubble of collective living and working. Stepping outside one’s usual professional environment is always a worthwhile!
Secure your spot for an unforgettable learning experience in the heart of the French Alps.
Alternet is one of our key collaborator. Learn more about our collaboration.
