Background of Summer School / Introduction
This summer school deal with the most recent and innovative methodologies to assess and monitor wild insect biodiversity, by means of molecular and AI-based technologies. Participants will become skilled in cutting-edge monitoring technologies, including sampling methodologies and procedures, data processing, and morphological, molecular, environmental data analysis. The main aim is to provide knowledge on both terrestrial and freshwater insect biodiversity, particularly in protected areas. Field week activities will be carried out in the Apennine Lucano Val d'Agri-Lagonegrese National Park (Basilicata, Southern Italy), which hosts endemic and rare species deserving specific conservation strategies. Topics will span from Next Generation Sequencing analysis, including metabarcoding and environmental DNA analysis, analysis of multitrophic interactions and functional traits, AI-based identification procedures, and application for environmental quality monitoring. Preparatory learning will include a series of preliminary online lectures by experts in the field, followed by field and laboratory experiments, adopting a multidisciplinary approach. Field week activities will be mainly focused on sampling and data collection procedures, data processing, and real case studies.
Hosting University
University of Tuscia (UniTus)
Venue
Online lectures (preparatory) will be held on the Zoom platform environments of the Tuscia University. Field week activities will be carried out in the Apennine Lucano Val d'Agri-Lagonegrese National Park (Basilicata, Southern Italy).
Date
June 22 - July 17, 2026.
Participants
15
Previous Knowledge
Basic knowledge in the main fields of Biology and Ecology is suggested.
Course Content
The definition of the detailed program is ongoing.
The main topics of the course will be the following:
1. Integrative Methods for insect biodiversity assessment, including NGS and AI-based approaches
2. Metabarcoding and Environmental DNA analysis for insect biomonitoring in both freshwater and terrestrial environments
3. Analysis of Multitrophic Interactions and Functional Traits in entomological communities
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)
Course Schedule
mid to late-June: preparatory online lessons (min 3 days)
early to mid-July: on site fieldweek activities (min 6 physical days)
Course Language
English
Course Format / Teaching Methods
Credits
ECTS Credits and Workload Overview
| Number of Credits [ECTS] | 6 |
|---|---|
| TOTAL Workload [hours] | |
| Student's own work [hours] | |
| Contact classes [hours] | |
| Exam [hours] |
Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria
Cultural Activities / Social Program
Tuition Fees
No tuition fee
Additional Costs
.
Accommodation
Health Insurance
Participants are responsible for an adequate health insurance during their participation in the program. Participants should possess an EU health insurance card.
Visa
If support letters are needed, contact the administrative contact person below.
Application Deadline
31 May 2026
Link to online Application form
Contact persons for scientific questions
Contact person for administrative questions
Prof. Dr. Adriana Bellati adriana.bellati@unitus.it