BRYOLOGY SUMMER SCHOOL: FROM BRYOPHYTE IDENTIFICATION TO PRACTICAL USE 2023 Time: July 3 – July 12, 2023 For the second time in Latvia, Daugavpils University, in cooperation with the Republic of Latvia State Education Development Agency, will organize a course titled Bryology Summer School. In Latvia, due to historical and cultural habitat management and nature conservation traditions, one can find natural environments containing bryophytes, rarely found in other parts of Europe. Bryophytes are the oldest terrestrial plants, and unlike other plants, are adapted to live in various habitats and on different substrates. Besides being major peat formers, bryophytes are an important element in ecosystem functioning and important indicators of environmental quality. The aim of the course is to educate students from various countries and cultural backgrounds in bryophyte identification, ecology, conservation and practical use within a Latvian historical and cultural perspective through practical training in field trips and in the laboratory, and using exercises and lectures. Location: Ilgas Study and Research Center, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology at the Daugavpils University in Skrudalienas parish, Daugavpils municipality, Latvia. Students with citizenship from the following countries only are eligible to apply:  Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium (Walloon-Brussels Federation), Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, The People’s Republic of China, Lithuania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, United States of America, Vietnam. Minimum requirements: Student must have a background and/or have studied university-level Life Science, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Nature Conservation, Forest Science or a similar study programme. Preference: Documented experience in Botany. Credits: Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate and 4.5 ECTS. Programme in more detail  Course outcomes: Upon course completion, students will gain: 1) basic skills in bryophyte identification; 2) an understanding of the importance of bryophytes in ecosystem functioning, ecology and conservation; 3) knowledge of the practical uses of bryophytes. Funding: Ten student candidates will be accepted into the course. Accommodation (lodging and three meals per day), course materials, course fee, transportation within Latvia and planned activities in the course will be covered by the Republic of Latvia State Education Development Agency. Students accepted into the course will cover all other expenses, including visa, travel from home country to Latvia and back, health insurance. Registration: Candidates are welcome to apply  between 1 February and 1 April 2023. During the application candidates must include a cover letter indicating motivation for taking the course, confirmation of student status, CV, and copy of passport. Accepted candidates will be announced in May 2023. Contact information:  Dr. Anna Mežaka, email: bryo@tvnet.lv Phone: +371 65425452 Bryology Summer school students 2023 Bryology Summer School organizers and faculty Bryology Summer School materials Previous bryological events