ECOWAVES Summer School 2025

ECOWAVES: Marine Soundscapes in the Anthropophony Era

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

This summer school is designed to offer participants a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the critical role of sound in marine ecosystems and the application of acoustics in ecological studies. Participants 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 analyse marine soundscapes. Participants will learn how marine organisms use sound for essential biological functions and examine the effects of human-generated noise pollution on coastal and oceanic systems. 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. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, the course will equip participants with the skills to assess the role of sound and the impacts of noise on the physiology and behaviour of marine organisms, 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:

• Biology and ecology—those who want to learn more about underwater acoustics for their research
• 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 vocalisations.
• Use of software for data visualisation and soundscape analysis.
• In tank experiments to record effects of noise on invertebrates.

Lecturers

Dr. Francesco Caruso (Anton Dohrn Zoological Station)
Dr. Filomena Ristoratore (Anton Dohrn Zoological Station)
Dr. Francesca Rossi (Anton Dohrn Zoological Station)
Dr. Marco Signore (Anton Dohrn Zoological Station)
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 ECOWAVES lecturers are researchers involved in the following projects: DIVES, eConscience, AquaPLAN, DeuteroNoise and KNOWhale

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The course is open to 20 participants

Deadline for applications: 4 April
Participants will be notified by 15 April

Fee: €250 per person (coffee breaks, lunches, icebreaking and social dinners are all included)
Registration and payment will be due by 30 April

APPLICATION FORM

Organisers: Francesco Caruso, Filomena Ristoratore, Francesca Rossi, Marco Signore
For more information please visit Summer School 2025 ECOWAVES or email: ecowaves@szn.it