2026 IOCCG Summer Lecture Series
Frontiers in Ocean Optics and Ocean Colour Science: 5 – 19 July 2026
Overview
Venice International University (VIU) campus, on the island of San Servolo in the Venetian lagoon.
The 7th edition of the advanced IOCCG Summer Lecture Series is scheduled for 5 – 19 July 2026 in Venice, Italy, hosted by the Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR) from the Italian National Council of Research (CNR) and the Venice International University (VIU). The course will be held at the VIU campus, which is on the island of San Servolo, located in the Venetian lagoon between the Venice city center and the island of Lido.
As in previous years, this high-level training course will be dedicated to the fundamentals of ocean optics, bio-optics and ocean colour remote sensing. Several distinguished research scientists will provide lectures on cutting edge research, with focus on current critical issues in ocean colour science. Students will have ample opportunity to meet with lecturers for in-depth discussions on various pre-selected topics, as well as on their own scientific research.
Students will learn methods for measuring optical properties and interpreting the results. Practical sessions will also be conducted to help students understand absorption, scattering and the colour of the ocean.
The Summer Lecture Series is an advanced training course targeted at students conducting ocean color research, and is not suitable for beginners with limited knowledge of remote sensing. The course will address theoretical aspects and advanced science questions, rather than practical applications.
Course Delivery
Lecturers for the course will be research scientists from the global ocean colour and ocean optics community.
The emphasis of the course will be on current critical issues in ocean colour science, and will consist of lecture-style discussions, with a few hands-on practical and/or field sessions. A range of topics will be covered in the course and will depend upon the expertise of the invited lecturers. Most likely the following subject areas will be included (to be updated, once lecturers have been confirmed):
- Inherent optical properties (inversion and applications in coastal and open ocean waters)
- Errors and uncertainties in ocean colour remote sensing (emphasis on inverse modelling)
- Radiative transfer in the ocean: shallow water remote sensing and HydroLight training
- Ocean colour remote sensing in optically-complex coastal waters
- Atmospheric correction
- Retrieving phytoplankton biomass and functional groups
- In situ measurements
Video recordings and PowerPoint presentations of all previous IOCCG Summer Lecture Series are available online at https://ioccg.org/what-we-do/training-and-education/lectures/
Eligibility
The lecture series is open to students from all countries with no preference for geographical location, however fluency in English is required. Participants should be familiar with downloading and processing satellite ocean colour imagery since this is not an introductory training course. The course is intended primarily for PhD students and post-doctoral fellows involved in any aspect of ocean-colour research, but outstanding graduate students with a Masters degree (or studying for their Masters degree), with a strong understanding of ocean colour remote sensing, are also encouraged to apply. Research scientists with < 10 years ocean colour research hoping to broaden their knowledge will also be considered. Once selected, all students are required to attend in person for the full two weeks of the lecture series.
The IOCCG Summer Lecture Series usually attracts around 140 applicants, but the total number of accepted students is restricted to around 25 for logistical and financial reasons. All applications will be evaluated by a Selections Committee based on the candidate’s knowledge of remote sensing, previous training, research interests and the potential to apply the knowledge and skills gained to current research topics. Academic qualifications and future goals will also be taken into account.
Course Fee
There is no fee for selected students to attend the lecture series. Students may be responsible for covering certain portions of their own travel expenses. Shared accommodation, and breakfast and lunch for all selected students are provided on campus. A limited number of scholarships will also be available to help defray travel expenses.
Application
Applications for the 2026 IOCCG Summer Lecture Series will open in January 2026. Applicants will be notified about the success of their application by the end of March 2026.
For any enquiries please contact Raisha Lovindeer, the IOCCG Project Coordinator, at raisha@ioccg.org.
The sixth International Ocean Colour Science (IOCS) meeting will take place in Darmstadt, Germany from 1 – 4 December 2025, hosted by EUMETSAT and ESA with support from other agencies.