The connected community works towards solutions to reduce hydro-climatic risks such as floods, through joint research on innovative technologies: artificial intelligence, modelling, IoT sensors, smartphone applications, … It will use the knowledge and tools generated by the CC to develop joint activities in the water-climate related MSc and PhD programmes. We will further engage with citizen and stakeholders in order to build a water-smart and climate-smart society, and will involve partners of different universities (Cuba, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Bolivia, Ecuador, South-Africa, Morocco, Palestine, …) and international organisations, such as the UNESCO, WMO, IPCC, UNEP, FAO. … We aim for the joint organisation of summer schools, such as the annual summer course “HydRoData“ led by the UNESCO Chair on Hydroclimatic risk reduction (University of Ljubljana) and Open Water Symposia coordinated by the UNESCO Chair on Open Water Science and Education (Vrije Universiteit Brussel).
Connected Community Activities
Upcoming Activities
Past Activities
Second EUTOPIA Groundwater Workshop and Conference
* March 12–14, 2025
* Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
The second edition of the EUTOPIA Groundwater Conference, co-organized by TU Dresden’s INOWAS Research Group and the VUB Department of Water and Climate, focused on evaluating the societal value of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) beyond technical performance. The program included a hands-on training using the INOWAS web-based groundwater modeling platform and a roundtable discussion on socio-economic valuation tools and metrics for MAR. With participation from over 15 institutions across Europe, the event fostered cross-institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and critical reflection on the role of groundwater in climate resilience and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 12th International Symposium on Managed Aquifer Recharge (ISMAR 12)
* April 28 – May 2, 2025
* Stellenbosch, South Africa
* Event Page
This premier global event brought together MAR experts, researchers, and regulators to discuss technological innovations, hydrogeology, and sustainable groundwater development—especially in the African context. ISMAR 12 highlighted new international partnerships and the critical role of MAR in water-scarce regions.
Citizen Science for Water Quality Workshop
* June 2, 2025
* VUB Main Campus, Etterbeek, Brussels
* Event Page & Registration
This international event will focus on how citizen science empowers communities to take an active role in water quality monitoring and environmental stewardship. Researchers and partners from JOOUST (Kenya), UCB (Bolivia), and UCLV (Cuba) will share real-world insights and practices from their respective contexts. The workshop highlights how engaging local actors in data collection and co-creating solutions fosters sustainable, inclusive environmental management and policy advocacy. Registration is open until May 23, and participants are welcome to submit presentations.
Interwoven Waters: Art, Nature, and Community Conservation in East Africa
* June 6, 2025
* PILAR, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
* Event Page & Registration
The event Interwoven Waters: Art, Nature, and Community Conservation in East Africa will take place at PILAR, VUB, bringing together researchers, artists, and community actors to explore environmental challenges in the Lake Victoria Basin through a unique blend of science, storytelling, and visual art. The afternoon begins with a symposium addressing issues such as deforestation and water quality, followed by a short film highlighting regional voices and their conservation efforts. The evening continues with an exhibition, showcasing photography and artworks co-created in Kenya and Uganda through participatory workshops, offering a powerful look into how communities connect with and care for their environments. The event is free and open to all, with refreshments provided.
2nd International Drought Symposium
* June 10, 2025
* UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
* Event Page & Registration
The 2nd International Drought Symposium, marking 50 years of UNESCO’s IHP, will gather experts to explore diverse aspects of drought and water scarcity. The program includes a keynote address and sessions on drought indices, climate risk assessment, and early warning systems. It also highlights nature-based solutions and innovative monitoring approaches using citizen science, IoT, and remote sensing. The symposium aims to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration for sustainable drought mitigation and adaptation.
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HydRoData: Summer School about Hydrology and Data
* September 1–5, 2025
* Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
* Registration Information
Organised by the UNESCO Chair on Water-related Disaster Risk Reduction, this summer school focuses on hydrological data: collection, analysis, modeling, and visualization using R. Open to PhD students, postdocs, and MSc students. 2 ECTS certificate awarded upon completion.
Registration deadline: May 16, 2025
Water Resilience Through Digitalisation
* October 20, 2025
* Santa Maria, Cuba
* Event Page & Registration
Organised by UNESCO-IHP Belgium with EUTOPIA Connected Community partners, this workshop explores the use of IoT, data loggers, AI, and computational tools to enhance water resilience in developing regions. The event fosters collaborative research aligned with SDG 6.
Water Resilience Through Citizen Science
* October 20–24, 2025
* Santa Maria, Cuba
* Event Page & Registration
This extended workshop focuses on how citizen science intersects with water governance and water justice, promoting participatory water management and inclusive decision-making through grassroots engagement and knowledge-sharing.
How to get involved?
Contact Prof. Ann Van Griensven (ann.van.griensven@vub.be), Prof. Marijke Huysmans (marijke.huysmans@vub.be) or Els Decoster, Local Facilitator (els.decoster@vub.be)