The first edition of AzSS – Azores Summer School will take place in Vila do Porto, Santa Maria Island, Azores, from August 6th to 19th, 2021, with the organization of CIBIO-InBIO/Azores and the Regional Government of Azores, on Marine Island (Palaeo)Biogeography.

This multidisciplinary summer course will be led by a panel of experts who will address several topics, such as:

  • Geological evolution of islands;
  • Study of past organisms and environments;
  • Statistical analyses of collected data;
  • Evolutionary processes and patterns;
  • Historical and contemporary forces shaping the marine biodiversity in remote volcanic and oceanic archipelagos.

For 12 days, participants will be able to experience one of the oldest islands in the Azores, but also discuss the results of the research work on these themes in Santa Maria Island, either through lectures, conferences, or field trips.

The main objective of AzSS is to equip participants with exceptional tools from various research areas that, together, allow a clearer interpretation of marine biogeographic processes and patterns in these island systems. Another major objective of this course is to foster contact between Portuguese and North-American researchers, but also to promote scientific knowledge of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and its projection in the framework of European and international research.

The course will be open to a maximum of 35 participants.

Candidate Profile

  • Research interests in Insular Ecosystems are mandatory.
  • A background in Biogeography is recommended.

FLAD’s Grants

  • 15 scholarships for PhD students from Portuguese institutions. All expenses are included (accommodation at the Santa Maria Hotel and flight from Mainland Portugal – Lisbon or Porto – to Santa Maria Island).
  • 6 scholarships for US students. All expenses are included (accommodation at the Santa Maria Hotel and flight from Boston to Santa Maria Island).
  • Priority will be given to 1) first-year and other doctoral students from the BIODIV program, 2) doctoral students from other courses, 3) other postgraduate students and researchers.

Application Fees

  • 50€ (Portuguese institutions’ or USA PhD students with a FLAD grant) – fee does not include lunch and dinner.
  • 650 € (other PhD/MSc students with accommodation in double room) | 900 € (senior researchers/academic with accommodation in double room) – fee does not include flights to Santa Maria, lunch, and dinner.
  • 500 € (other PhD/MSc students) | 800 € (senior researchers/academic) – fee does not include flights to Santa Maria, accommodation, lunch, and dinner.

Applications and Deadlines

Applications run until July 1, 2021.

Applications should be sent to Ana Cristina Rebelo (acfurtadorebelo@gmail.com) and Lara Baptista (laracbaptista@hotmail.com), with the following documents:

  • CV
  • Application form (available here).

Results will be announced by July 15, 2021.

Upon reception of the acceptance letter, the selected participants must confirm their participation by paying the registration fee by July 25, 2021.

In case of withdrawal after July 30, 2021, the registration fee will not be refunded.

More information about the program, application requirements and fees, here.