BUP Science and Sail 2025
The summer school was held in August in Klaipėda, Lithuania, and Liepāja, Latvia, hosted by Klaipeda University and Riga Technical University. In total, 32 students and 3 PhD students from 27 BUP participating universities took part.
Parts of the summer school took place onboard Klaipeda University’s sailing vessel Brabander, sailing from Klaipėda to Liepāja, while conducting tests and collecting samples. Participants studied the unique coastal environment of the Curonian Spit and visited the Sventoji settlement, learning about the impacts of and solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss and the human aspects of the unique Baltic Sea Environment. These excursions were accompanied by relevant lectures on topics such as hydrology and underwater archeology.
A key part of this summer school was the case studies that the students conducted under the supervision of PhD students. The participants were divided into smaller groups that collected data, compiled knowledge from experts, studied important indicators and learned to draw conclusions to better understand the coastal development in different places along the Baltic Sea. During the final day of the program, the students presented their findings to their peers.
The event was organised as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), and received funding from the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme. Klaipeda University awarded all the participants with 3 ECTS.
Goals of the event
- Improve the knowledge of students about the Baltic Sea Environment and its importance for the societies and economies of the region.
- Reflect and explore different indicators related to the Baltic Sea Environment.
- Teach students techniques to solve environmental problems from an interdisciplinary and practical approach.
- Build skills in intercultural and interdisciplinary cooperation.
Participants, experts and organisers standing in front of the tall ship Brabander in the Liepaja port. Photo: Ērika Lauberga-Sleže
Evaluation Science and Sail
All participating students were asked to complete an evaluation on the final day of the summer school. This was completed by 29 out of the 32 students. Prior to the event, students held an average expectation of 7.7/10, which shows that the event exceeded their expectations. The students praised the communication with the organising staff, the sailing experience, and meeting other students with such a diversity of academic and cultural backgrounds.
Some of the highest ratings were given to the day on the tall ship Brabander, the visit to Liepaja with its associated workshops, the group work and the creation of the story telling projects as well as the excursion to the Curonian Spit.
Quotes from the evaluation
”Will rush to start a PhD so I can come back as a supervisor.”
”Best project of my life!”
”The group was friendly and diverse, and I got a lot of new experiences. Thank you!”
Results of the event
Each group of students gave a presentation of their case studies on the last day of the event. Below you can find material from their presentations.
One group investigated the topic of microplastics in the Baltic Sea. You can find their material on the red thread Instagram.
One group focused on Baltic Coast Erosion. To learn more, you can download and view the video by Vitamin Sea.
One group focused on the past, present and future of Baltic coast development. To learn more, you can download and view the video by the Baltic Time Pirates.
One group focused on ways to solve environmental problems connected to the Baltic Sea by creating a board game. To learn more, you can view the presentation by the Sea Conquerors (pdf) pdf, 13 MB..
Organiser voice
”The third edition of the BUP Summer School Science and Sail was successfully carried out, and we found this year’s group of students to be among the most engaging yet. Their group projects were highly impressive, with results that far exceeded our expectations. The new concept—sailing between two cities, countries, and BUP participating universities—proved to be very effective, clearly demonstrating how strong collaboration and commitment within the BUP network can lead to a high-quality event. We are deeply grateful to our Lithuanian and Latvian colleagues for making this event a success. This third edition also had a good balance across scientific disciplines, effectively fostering a multidisciplinary learning environment.”
Participant evaluations
- Participants gave the event an overall 9.4/10 rating.
- Participants gave the supervision they received from PhD students an overall 8.4/10 rating.
- Participants gave the accomodation an overall 8.8/10 rating.
All overall ratings were made on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is considered negative and 10 is considered positive.
Voices of participants
Olatunde Samson Ayoola - Participant from Novia University of Applied Sciences
Before attending, I expected to strengthen my knowledge of ecology and sustainability while gaining practical experience that could complement my thesis work on pollinator diversity in urban green spaces.
The highlight for me was visiting the Klaipėda Botanical Garden, where I saw how such spaces support biodiversity and pollinator research. I also truly enjoyed the sailing from Riga to Klaipėda, which was a whole new and memorable experience.
I will take with me the hands-on skills I gained in ecological fieldwork, the international collaboration experience, and the inspiration to recommend establishing a botanical garden in my study area (Ekenäs, Finland) as a way to strengthen both research and community awareness of pollinators and plants importance.
Paulina Jakubiak - Participant from Adam Mickiewicz University
As a PhD student, I joined Science and Sail mainly to learn more about the Lithuanian and Latvian regions of the Baltic Sea and the challenges they are facing. I was also curious about my role as a mentor - supporting students, sharing knowledge, and exploring how I could contribute. For me, it was an opportunity to grow simultaneously as a young researcher and a teacher. All my expectations were fully met :)
The best part was the friendly and open atmosphere throughout the entire summer school. What I’ll remember most is the unique experience of being on board the ship Brabander. Even though some participants struggled with seasickness, nobody let it spoil the mood, which says a lot about the spirit of the event. I was also very impressed by the students’ final projects. Despite coming from different fields and having very little time to prepare, they collaborated wonderfully, and the outcomes of their work were truly amazing.
I'm returning home with new knowledge and ideas for the future, as well as many valuable connections made during the week. I also take with me a strong sense of satisfaction. Whether with the students, my fellow PhD participants, or the organisers, working together with everyone was simply a pleasure.
Images from Science and Sail
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Everyone was welcomed by Dr. Laura Šaltytė-Vaisiauskė, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Klaipeda University.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Prof. Sergey Olenin, Klaipeda University, gave a lecture on the ecology of the Baltic Sea.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
During the first day, the participants got a lecture on maritime archeology by Dr. Elena Pranckenaitė from Klaipeda University.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Already before arriving in Klaipėda, the students had been divided into groups. They worked closely together during the duration of the event.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Assoc. Prof. Eduardas Spiriajevas, Klaipeda University, the BUP National Centre Director, was one of the main organisers. He also guided the students during the visit to the Stone Age settlements at Šventoji.
Photo: Lara Kerschl
The students were divided into two groups, where one sailed to Liepaja in Latvia and the other back to Klaipėda in Lithuania.
Photo: Taida Gorodeckytė
The participants learned more about and took part in the running of the ship while sailing. They also attended oceanographic lectures.
Photo: Lara Kerschl
While on the sailing vessel Brabander, the students collected water samples in both Liepaja and Klaipėda.
Photo: Lara Kerschl
Upon arriving in Liepaja, the students were welcomed by Ērika Lauberga-Sleže and Laura Štāle from Riga Technical University.
Photo: Lara Kerschl
While in Liepaja, the participants visited the Zirgu Island Science Education and Innovation Centre.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Another excursion was to Raganų kalnas, an outdoor sculpture gallery.
Photo: Taida Gorodeckytė
The students also visited the Kuršių nerija and the great dunes.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Half of the students went on an excursion to the Port Authority and the Klaipeda Shipyard.
Photo: Lara Kerschl
The other half went on an excursion to KN Energies.
Photo: Taida Gorodeckytė
On the beach, they filtered the sand and reported microplastic findings.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
On the final day of the event, each group presented its case studies to the other participants.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
After completing the summer school, all the participants were given a diploma and awarded 3 ECTS from Klaipeda University.