IMPRESS is an Initial Training Network funded by the European Marie-Curie Programme. Initial Training Networks offer early-stage researchers the opportunity to improve their research skills, join established research teams and enhance their career prospects.
Training Plan
15 PhD students are employed by the IMPRESS Marie Curie Initial Training Network. The training of these young researchers is achieved through an integrated approach which involves training-through-research, training through inter- and intra-sectoral secondments and training through network-wide training events. The students come from diverse academic backgrounds, and a number of network-wide training events are organized by IMPRESS in order to equip these young researchers with multidisciplinary skills needed for succeeding in research and technological areas relevant for conservation biology in general and, and in particular for improved production strategies for stocking of endangered freshwater fish.
IMPRESS Training Schools
Training School 1 – October 25-30 2015, Leiden, The Netherlands
The first training event started with a 2-day introductory course, followed by a 4-day genomics course. The early-stage researchers were introduced to the concepts of IMPRESS and to the basics of bioinformatics and computational biology.
Training School 2 – March 2-11 2016, Valencia, Spain
This training school includes a 5-day course in computer imaging techniques and cryopreservation and a 4-day course in personal development and career plan.
Training School 3 – October 17-27 2016, Vodnany, The Czech Republic
This training school consists of a 4-day course in fish husbandry and a 3-day course in entrepreneurship and commercialization. The early-stage researchers will be given a complete overview of different aspects of fish husbandry and will be introduced to the essential aspects of technology transfer, entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property Rights.
Training School 4 – June 12-21 2017, Chanteuges, Loire, France
This training school includes a 5-day course in innovative rearing techniques, and a 3-day course in scientific writing. The experimental course will cover alternative rearing techniques that are being developed for fishery management, and will focus on the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Final network conference – June 17-20, 2018, Arendal, Norway
Sustaining iconic diadromous fishes: The potential and pitfalls of cultivation.