Marine Soundscapes in the Anthropophony Era

Naples, 26th-30th May 2025
Darwin-Dohrn Museum, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy

This summer school offers participants a comprehensive introduction to the application of acoustics in ecological studies. Attendees will explore the science of acoustic waves in seawater, gaining foundational knowledge in the physics of sound and the use of cutting-edge instruments to analyze marine soundscapes. The program covers innovative methodologies, from passive acoustic monitoring to advanced technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles and AI-driven signal detection. Participants will also learn how marine organisms use sound for essential biological functions and examine the effects of human-generated noise pollution on coastal and oceanic systems. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, the course will provide the tools to assess the role of sound and the impacts of noise on the physiology and behavior of marine organisms. The program will further explore how these effects influence ecological communities, emphasizing the application of mesocosm experiments and field sampling to advance ecological research.

In a nutshell

This summer school is designed to offer a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the critical role of sound in marine ecosystems. It is a unique opportunity to join a growing community of researchers addressing one of the most pressing issues in marine conservation, preparing participants to contribute to innovative solutions and impactful research in this field. The program integrates theoretical and practical sessions, providing participants with comprehensive insights into marine acoustic ecology, technological tools, and effective research and communication strategies.

Target Audience

Open to graduate and PhD students, postdocs, and early-career researchers from the following fields:
(i) Biology and ecology—those who want to learn more about underwater acoustics for their research.
(ii) Physics and engineering—those passionate about marine science and environmental conservation.

Theoretical lessons

- Physics of underwater sound and measurement techniques.
- Underwater acoustics and the role of sound from invertebrates to megafauna.
- State-of-the-art acoustic technologies for monitoring biodiversity and environmental changes.
- The impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine ecosystems and species.
- Communicating acoustic ecology to the public through educational tools and outreach.

Practical lessons

- Setup and calibration of hydrophones and recording systems.
- Identification of sound sources and species-specific vocalizations.
- Use of software for data visualization and soundscape analysis.
- In tank experiments to record effects of noise on invertebrates.

Lecturers

Dr. Francesco Caruso (Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn)
Dr. Filomena Ristoratore (Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
Dr. Francesca Rossi (Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn)
Dr. Marco Signore (Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn)
Prof. Giovanni Zambon (University of Milano-Bicocca)
Dr. Salvatore Viola (National Institute for Nuclear Physics)
Prof. Lucia Di Iorio (University of Perpignan)
Prof. Lucia Manni (University of Padua)
Dr. Marios Chatzigeorgiou (University of Bergen)
Prof. Livio Favaro (University of Turin)
Dr. Virginia Sciacca (Italian National Research Council)

The course is open to 20 participants.

 DOWNLOAD THE POSTER HERE: Summer School 2025 ECOWAVES

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Applications: deadline 4 April.
Participants will be notified by 15 April.
Registration and payment are due by 30 April.

Fee: 250 euro per person (coffee breaks, lunches, icebreaking and social dinner included)

APPLICATION FORM

ORGANIZERS: Francesco Caruso, Filomena Ristoratore, Francesca Rossi, Marco Signore
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The LIFE OASIS project, funded by the LIFE Programme, addresses the challenges of marine litter and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in the Mediterranean. A threat that jeopardizes the recovery of species like the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). From 2024 to 2029, the project will engage a variety of stakeholders in the development of innovative, sustainable solutions to protect marine biodiversity and promote responsible fishing practices.

LIFE OASIS emphasizes collaboration with artisanal fishers, navigators, and patrol boats, recognizing them as custodians of the sea in activities like sea turtle rescue, reporting and recovering ALDFG.

LIFE OASIS uses the artisanal Mediterranean anchored FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) fisheries of Malta, Italy and Spain as a laboratory to create replicable solutions for improving ocean conservation and fostering sustainable fisheries throughout the Mediterranean and other regions.

Partner role

Place information about your role in the project here.

LIFE OASIS Consortium

ALNITAK, CSIC ICM, CSIC IMEDEA, University of Valencia, SATLINK, CEPESCA, University of Pisa, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Filicudi Wildlife Conservation, Nature Trust Malta.
(Recomendation: include logos, find the logos in the folder)

More information

• Visit the website: https://lifeoasis.eu/
• Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Partner List 

• Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn 
• Alnitak
• Cepesca (Confederaciòn Espanola De Pesca) 
• Satlink
• Institut de Ciències del Mar
• Imedea
• Filicudi Wildlife Conservation
• Nature Trust Malta
• Università di Pisa
• Universitat de Valentia 

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Scholarship Brancaccio 2025

The Paolo Brancaccio Scholarship is an initiative promoted by the Lions Club Napoli Megaride, the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, the Brancaccio family and - from the 2022 edition - by the SFC (Sistemi Formativi Confindustria) company of Rome.

The scholarship was established to keep alive the memory of Paolo Brancaccio, who died prematurely in 1995 following a diving accident.

The first edition was held in June 1996, with the only suspensions in 1998 for the death of Prof. Nino Salvatore and in 2020 and 2021 due to the health emergency linked to COVID.

The Scholarship announcement requires that the winner carry out an internship of at least three months in a highly qualified foreign institute, to conduct research in the field of marine sciences.

Every year, an Organizing Committee defines the details of the call, evaluates the candidates' CVs and awards the prize during a public ceremony at the Stazione Zoologica. Starting in 2022, two young scholars are awarded.

Paolo Brancaccio, former President of the Leo group - Lions Club Napoli Megaride - in the year of its establishment, was a model student in the engineering faculty at the Federico II University of Naples. He had completed all 29 exams of the degree course with excellent grades and was ready to discuss his final thesis. After graduation, Paolo was supposed to participate in an internship abroad, organized with the support of Prof. Nino Salvatore, then President of the Stazione Zoologica.

“The Call for the Scholarship promotes young generations and requires that the winner complete an internship of at least three months at a prestigious foreign institute to conduct study activities in the field of marine sciences. In this sense, the initiative represents a unique opportunity that allows Paolo's dream to be carried forward, transforming his passion into a living and vibrant legacy for other lovers of the sea.”.”

DOWNLOAD here: Scholarship Brancaccio 2025