Brief Information
The IOCCG Summer Lecture Series 2026 is a prestigious, advanced-level international training programme focused on ocean optics, bio-optics, and ocean colour remote sensing. The 7th edition will take place in Venice, Italy, bringing together leading scientists and a small, highly selected group of early-career researchers. Participation is fully funded for selected students, with additional travel support available.
Key Dates & Details
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Programme Dates: 5 – 19 July 2026
- Location: Venice, Italy (San Servolo Island)
- Type: Onsite, intensive summer lecture series
- Target Group: PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, advanced Master’s students, early-career researchers
- Participants Selected: ~25 (out of ~140 applicants)
- Course Fee: No tuition fee
- Organisers / Hosts:
- International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group (IOCCG)
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR) – CNR
- Venice International University
Table of Contents
Overview
The IOCCG Summer Lecture Series 2026 is one of the world’s most respected advanced training programmes in ocean colour remote sensing. Designed for researchers already working in the field, the course goes beyond introductory concepts and focuses on theoretical foundations, advanced methodologies, and critical scientific challenges in ocean colour science.
Hosted at the Venice International University (VIU) campus on San Servolo Island, the programme offers a unique academic environment in the Venetian lagoon, combining intensive learning with direct interaction between students and globally recognised experts.
Participants in the IOCCG Summer Lecture Series 2026 will benefit from:
- High-level lectures from leading ocean colour scientists
- In-depth discussions on cutting-edge research
- Limited hands-on and field-based sessions
- Direct feedback on participants’ own research topics
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Course Content & Delivery
The IOCCG Summer Lecture Series 2026 will be delivered by research scientists from the global ocean colour and ocean optics community. The course emphasises current critical issues in ocean colour science and advanced theoretical understanding.
Indicative Topics
Topics may include (final list subject to lecturer confirmation):
- Inherent optical properties: inversion and applications
- Errors and uncertainties in ocean colour remote sensing
- Radiative transfer in the ocean (including HydroLight training)
- Shallow-water and optically complex coastal remote sensing
- Atmospheric correction techniques
- Retrieval of phytoplankton biomass and functional groups
- In-situ optical measurements
Lecture-style sessions will be complemented by selected practical and/or field activities. Recordings and materials from previous IOCCG Summer Lecture Series editions are available online for reference.
Eligibility
The IOCCG Summer Lecture Series 2026 is open to applicants from all countries, with no geographic preference.
Who Can Apply
- PhD students working on ocean colour or related research
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Outstanding Master’s students with strong background in ocean colour remote sensing
- Research scientists with less than 10 years of ocean colour research experience
Key Requirements
- Fluency in English
- Prior experience with satellite ocean colour data
- Strong background in remote sensing (not suitable for beginners)
- Full in-person attendance for the entire two-week programme
Selection is competitive and based on:
- Knowledge of remote sensing
- Previous training and research background
- Research interests and future goals
- Potential to apply the training to ongoing research
Application Details
Applications for the IOCCG Summer Lecture Series 2026 are now open.
What Is Covered
- No course fee for selected participants
- Shared accommodation on campus
- Breakfast and lunch provided throughout the programme
- Limited travel scholarships available to support travel expenses
Participants may still need to cover part of their travel costs, depending on funding availability.
Selection Timeline
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Notification of Results: By the end of March 2026
FAQ
Is the IOCCG Summer Lecture Series 2026 suitable for beginners?
No. This is an advanced course intended for participants with solid prior knowledge of ocean colour remote sensing.
How many participants are selected?
Approximately 25 participants are selected from around 140 applications.
Is there a participation fee?
No. There is no course fee for selected students.
Is attendance mandatory for the full duration?
Yes. All selected participants must attend in person for the full two weeks.
Official Link
👉 Official Programme Page & Application Details:
https://ioccg.org/what-we-do/training-and-education/ioccg-sls/
📄 Official Call Announcement:
https://nf-pogo-alumni.org/14012026-4/
📧 Contact for Enquiries:
Raisha Lovindeer – IOCCG Project Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
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