UrbanWaterSECURITY

The UrbanWaterSECURITY Academy (UWS Academy) is an international initiative dedicated to advanced training in the sustainable management of urban water resources. Through a multidisciplinary approach that bridges science, engineering, policy and practice, the Academy builds the skills needed to address the mounting pressures on urban water security posed by rapid urbanisation and climate change.

We are delighted to return for the 4th edition in 2025, bringing together leading scholars, practitioners and early-career researchers to confront the most urgent challenges in urban water. This year’s Academy blends a short, intensive week on Kos Island with a focused online phase that consolidates learning and assessment in September 2025.

KEY FACTS at a glance

Format: Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) for 3 CFU
On-site dates and venue: 2–6 September 2025, Kos Island, Greece
Online phase: 12–30 September 2025 (via MS Teams)
BIP code: 2024-1-EL01-KA131-HED-000205918-1
Host organiser: University of the Aegean (Greece)

What the Academy is about

UWS Academy is an intensive training programme designed for Master’s and PhD students, post-doctoral researchers and early-career scientists. It addresses the complex, interlinked issues of urban water security, where science, policy and society meet. The curriculum is multidisciplinary and practice-oriented, building capability to deliver resilient, sustainable water solutions in real-world contexts.

Founded by prof. Vincenzo Naddeo, General Chair of the initiative, and directed by prof. Vincenzo Belgiorno, the Academy convenes an international faculty from leading institutions. The 2025 edition is hosted and organised by Prof. Demetris F. Lekkas, with contributions from distinguished colleagues across Europe and beyond.

Director of the Academy

Vincenzo Belgiorno
University of Salerno, Italy

Academy Chairs

Vincenzo Naddeo
University of Salerno, Italy

Kwang-Ho Choo
Kyungpook National University (KNU),South Korea

Shadi Hasan
Khalifa University, UAE

Dimitri Lekkas
University of the Aegean, Greece

Honorary Chairs

Damià Barceló
University of Almeria, Spain

Honorary Academy Member

Gerasimos Lyberatos
National Technical University of Athens, Greece

Institutional Representatives for Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP)

Maria Antoniou
Cyprus University of Technology. Cyprus

Vincenzo Naddeo
University of Salerno, Italy

Dimitri Lekkas
University of the Aegean, Greece

Antonis A. Zorpas
Open University of Cyprus, Cyprus

Learning themes

Participants will engage with a coherent set of topics that reflect the latest science and practice:

Nexus and governance models for integrated resource management.
Environmental technologies for a sustainable water sector.
Clean energy solutions adapted to water-scarce scenarios.
Strategies and best practice for resilient urban water management.

Plan of Study

In its fourth edition, the Academy offers a compact, high-impact journey that combines one intensive week on Kos Island (Greece) with a structured online follow-up. The on-site segment features 15 specialised classes delivered through 24 lectures, reinforced by 5 interactive Classworks that convert theory into practical insight. Panel conversations and Q&A moments are woven throughout the week to deepen understanding and provide direct access to expert perspectives. The online phase runs from 12 to 30 September and includes 3 thematic workshops, culminating in a final examinationand a closing ceremony.

For the detailed plan of study, including the Academic Course Catalogue, the day-by-day timetable, the Academic Team Directory and all updates, please consult the official programme of the 4th edition.

Academic Team Members

This edition brings together 21 professors from 9 countries across Europe, Middle East and Asia, drawn from leading universities and research centres. They are recognised leaders in their fields and collectively cover the full spectrum of urban water disciplines. Their combined expertise guarantees a rigorous, practice-oriented learning experience for participants.

Download the program

Participation and Contact Information

UWS Academy 2025 is organised as an official side-event of CEST2025, the 19th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology, held 3–6 September 2025 on Kos Island, Greece. Full congress information is available on the CEST website.

Attendance at the Academy is free of charge for all CEST2025 registered participants, and a certificate will be provided. Registration for the Academy is available by completing the form at the following link.

We welcome enquiries from prospective participants, partner institutions and supporters. To express interest in this edition, or to discuss contributing to future editions as part of the Academic Team, please contact academy@urbanwatersecurity.com.

REGISTRATION
We offer tailored registration options to cater to the needs of Professionals, Scholars, Master and PhD students. Please note that spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Should you have any specific needs or require further information about the third edition of this academy, please do not hesitate to contact us at academy@urbanwatersecurity.com.

Registration Options

– Standard Registration (without accommodation)
Includes registration to the Academy, course materials, a certificate of completion, final examination, coffee breaks, lunch on Saturday, welcome dinner on Friday, social dinner on Saturday evening, and a Sunday morning tour.

Standard Registration (after May 15): €450

– Comprehensive Registration (with accommodation)

This package includes all the advantages of the Standard Registration, plus a two-night stay (Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15) at the Oleandri Resort, located at the same venue as the Academy. The stay includes breakfast and accommodation in a shared room with up to three other students. Please note that spaces at the resort are limited, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Should the Oleandri Resort reach full capacity, additional guests will be accommodated in a nearby facility close to the venue.

-Comprehensive Registration (after May 15): €590 (SOLD-OUT)

Scholarship Opportunities
A limited number of scholarships are available for students (Master and PhD) nominated by members of our Academic Team. These scholarships cover the Comprehensive Package. The scholarship recipients will be announced by May 10.

Important Dates
Scholarship Announcement: May 10

Early Registration Deadline: May 15

Please choose your package based on your needs and complete the registration by the appropriate deadline to secure your participation. We look forward to welcoming you to an enriching experience at the UrbanWaterSECURITY Academy.