December 2007

IAHR – European Regional Division – Committee elections
Prof. Aronne Armanini, Italy, has been elected Chairman of the Division in accordance with the IAHR By Laws and in succession to Prof. Cedo Macksimovi. Dr. Didier Bousmar, Belgium, has been elected for a second term as Vice-Chairman of the Division. The European Division officers were elected by the European membership of IAHR by electronic ballot. We have received a 35% response.

The EU Floods Directive is now published
The Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union (ref L 288/27 dated on 06/11/2007).
The purpose of this Directive is to establish a framework for the assessment and management of flood risks, aiming at the reduction of the adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with floods in the Community.
The Directive text is available here.
(Source: Environmental Technologies Research)

Introduction to River Hydrology & Hydraulics
May 20-22, 2008, Wallingford, UK
Management of rivers and their channels, either involving new construction or as part of on-going development programmes, may result in long-term changes to the river behaviour and its morphology. Changes in catchment population and land use may result in enhanced risks from flooding, which could be compounded by changes in the climate. In order to mitigate any adverse changes, we need to be able to evaluate past data, monitor current conditions and estimate behaviour of future events. The collection and analysis of data to carry out these studies, understanding of the under-lying river flow processes and assessing impacts is essential for better river management.
This course, updated for 2007/8, will include explanation of the basic hydrological data applications and hydraulic processes and these will be demonstrated by a number of worked examples throughout the three days. The course is designed for anyone who requires an understanding of the management of river systems or the impact of developments in a river catchment. It is suitable for recent graduates, consultants, local authority staff, conservation and fisheries officers, development control and flood defence officers, and for specialists from other disciplines involved in river and catchment management.
For more information, click here.
(Source: Rivers-list)

EU-FP7 Call for proposals - Environment (including Climate Change)
Call identifier: FP7-ENV-2008-1, Indicative budget: 212 M€
This call for Collaborative projects and Coordination and support actions includes a.o. the following topics:

• Sub-activity 6.1.3. Natural hazards: Hazard assessment, triggering factors and forecasting; Vulnerability assessment and societal impacts; Risk assessment and management; Multi-risk evaluation and mitigation strategies.
• Sub-activity 6.2.1. Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and Biodiversity: Integrated Resource Management; Water resources
• Sub-activity 6.2.2. Management of marine environments
• Sub-activity 6.3.1 Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, remediation and restoration of the natural and man-made environment: Water; Marine environment
• Sub-activity 6.5.1. Dissemination and horizontal activities

Deadline for application: February 25, 2008
For more information, click here

EU-FP7 Call for proposal - ERA-NET / ERA-NET PLUS Call 2008
Call identifier: FP7-ERANET-2008-RTD, Indicative budget: 29.3 M€
This call for Coordination and Support Actions covers a.o. Environment topics (including Climate Change).
Deadline for application: August 12, 2008
For more information, click here

EU-FP7 Call for proposals - ERC Advanced Grant (Physical Sciences & Engineering)
Call identifier: ERC-2008-AdG_20080228, Indicative budget: 517 M€
This European Research Council Grants objective is to encourage and support excellent, innovative investigator-initiated research projects by leading advanced investigators across the Member States and associated countries. The Grants will support projects carried out by individual teams which are headed by a single principal investigator of any nationality and, if necessary, include additional team-members. These teams could be of national or trans-national character. With the focus on the Principal Investigator, the concept of individual team is fundamentally different from that of a traditional “network” or “research consortium”; proposals of the latter type will not be acceptable.
Deadline for application: February 28, 2008
For more information, click here.

EU-FP7 Call for proposals - IDEAS Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
Call identifier: ERC-2008-Support, Indicative budget: 2.5 M€
Through the Ideas Specific Programme, the European Research Council has the opportunity to conduct its own strategic studies to prepare for and support its operational activities. The Scientific Council proposes to support independent exploratory work to analyse the impact of the ERC, analyse the functioning and performance of the ERC and to assist in the development of a strategy for the monitoring and assessment of ERC activities. This is done by using the funding scheme "Co-ordination and Support Actions" (CSAs), which gives financial support aimed at co-ordinating or support research activities and policies.
Deadline for application: March 06, 2008
For more information, click here.

EU-FP7 Call for proposal
A full list of current calls for proposal is available here. These calls include the following Marie Curie and ERA-NET actions:

• FP7-PEOPLE-ERG-2008 - European Reintegration Grants, Deadlines: 31 December 2008, 03 April 2008 and 08 October 2008.
• FP7-PEOPLE-IAPP-2008 - Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways, Deadline: 25 March 2008.
• FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008 - International Reintegration Grants, Deadlines: 03 April 2008 and 08 October 2008
• FP7-PEOPLE-IRSES-2008 - International Research Staff Exchange Scheme, Deadline: 28 March 2008.
• FP7-PEOPLE-NIGHT-2008 - Researchers' Night, Deadline: 05 March 2008.
• FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-3-COFUND - Co-funding of Regional, National and International Programmes, Deadline: 13 March 2008.
• FP7-INCO-2007-3 - Activities of International Cooperation ERA-NET - ERA-NET PLUS, Deadline: 12 February 2008

EU-CRUE Project - recommendations published on flood research
The CRUE ERA-NET has published a raft of recommendations aimed at improving the coordination of flood-related research programmes in Europe. Proposals include the pooling of experts to identify research needs and the creation of a joint research agenda for flood research.
ERA-NETs were designed to encourage the coordination of national and regional programmes. The CRUE ERA-NET was established to consolidate existing European flood research programmes, promote best practice and develop future joint activities in flood research. The network has published a good practice guide which provides an overview of the various opportunities for programme development and the organisation of flood related research. It is based on a survey of flood research programmes in 11 European countries.
For more information, please click here or visit CRUE website
(Source: Cordis-Express)

IWRM-NET  launches its First Joint Call for trans-national research projects
Towards Effective River Basin Plans
IWRM-NET partners are very pleased to launch our first joint call related to Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) with a focus on the Water Framework Directive. IWRM-NET 's  first joint call is a trans-national initiative funded  by IWRM-NET partners who have agreed on a common research programme dealing with Integrated water Resource Management within the context of the Water Framework Directive implementation.
The focus of this call is applied research to support development of the 2015 river basin plans. IWRM-NET wishes to develop a series of case studies, which include field testing and applications that can be used by river basin managers across Europe. Trans-national collaborative research projects will be directed to the following two topics:

• Hydrological and morphological pressures and impacts on ecological status
• Water governance

The research period is limited to a maximum of 24 months between 2008 and 2010.
Closing date: February 28, 2008
For more information, click here.

New Environmental research web site in CORDIS
A new service has been implemented in the CORDIS server dedicated to promote and highlight EU funded research related to the FP7 Cooperation theme "Environment (including climate change)".
The service is available here.
(Source: Environmental Technologies Research)

EU-FP6 project update
Several project data have recently been updated in Cordis databases:

• AFRICAN WATER - Action to promote involvement of African water researchers in the Framework Programme (FP6-SUSTDEV)
• SCENES - Water scenarios for Europe and for Neighbouring States (FP6-SUSTDEV)
• OCEAN3D - Estimation of the upper ocean 3D velocities from remotely sensed sea surface temperature (FP6-MOBILITY)

(Source: Cordis)

EU News Alert service: Science for Environment Policy
This service provides scientific information in the field of the main themes of the Environmental Action Programme and relevant to DG Environment policy priorities in support of the knowledge based approach.
The sources for this service are provided on one hand by the specialised staff of the contractor, on the other hand by EC officials and are scientific results of achieved or on-going EU funded projects and findings of other research initiatives implemented at international, national and regional levels,... Recent articles include:

• How will Changes in Climate and Water Demand impact Rivers?
• Environmental Impacts of Recreational Boating

For more information or to subscribe to this alert service, click here.

Ph.D. position, Public Research Centre Henri Tudor, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Project dealing with integrated modelling and control of sewer network and sewage treatment works
The Resource Centre for Environmental Technologies (CRTE – Centre de Ressources des Technologies pour l'Environnement) of the Public Research Centre Henri Tudor (CRPHT – Centre de Recherche Public Henri Tudor) is conducting a project in the field of sewer network modelling and control. The wastewater syndicate SIDEN in the north part of Luxembourg is operating a newly built wastewater treatment plant (WWTP ). This WWTP will be connected to the new sewer network of the Haute-Sûre communities that are positioned around the Haute-Sûre drinking water reservoir. This reservoir is very sensitive to eutrophic pollution a portion of the river has a protected bathing zone and is located in a rural area that doubles as a natural park. Furthermore, this region presents a great interest for campers and fishers. An integrated control-model of the sewer network is required for efficient wastewater treatment of the region. The candidate would be expected to develop, calibrate, test and validate the integrated control-model. Work will include model development and be balanced by field measurement campaigns.
Eligibility: EU candidates. Skill requirements for suitable candidates: Applicants must expect to obtain, or have already obtained, a MEng/MSc degree, or equivalent; Language: English; knowledge of French or German would be considered as an advantage; Civil engineering applied to sewage treatment or Process / Chemistry / Environmental engineers (with good background in fluid mechanics and hydraulic engineering); Modelling software skills constitute an advantage; Basic knowledge of waste water analyses (COD, BOD, TSS, VS, SVI, Ntot, NTK, NH4-N, NO3-N, Ptot, PO4-P, ORP, pH, Turbidity, Conductivity).
Starting date: January 2008 (although a later start may be considered) for a period of 3 years.
Grant: The candidate is supposed to apply to the Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research in Luxembourg (Ministère de la Culture, de l'Education Supérieure et de la Recherche "MCESR") to obtain a grant. A form is available on the MCESR's website.
Send application (Cover letter and Curriculum Vitae) with the reference title to CRTE/CRPHT 66, rue de Luxembourg, BP144, L-4002 Esch-sur-Alzette to the attention of Martine Zehren.

Graduate Engineer/Environmental Scientist, HR Wallingford, UK
HR Wallingford is at the leading edge of civil engineering hydraulics and the water environment worldwide. We carry out specialist high profile consultancy and advanced research relating to the management of water.
We are looking for a numerate graduate to join our Water Management group. The role will include a wide variety of technical work provided by the drainage and catchment management teams, including drainage, water supply and river modelling using InfoWorks.  This work would cover both consultancy and research projects. 
Good numeracy, a high degree of computer literacy and demonstrable problem solving capabilities are required. Good attention to detail, record keeping and report writing skills are essential. The ability to work as part of a team is important. Candidates will need a good degree in a relevant discipline (eg Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science).  Experience in programming, data analysis, the use of GIS and previous experience in developing/applying numerical models will be advantageous.
HR Wallingford offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package that includes a pension scheme, flexible working hours, childcare vouchers, subsidised staff restaurant and a Sports and Social Club. For further information on HR Wallingford please visit our web site.
Closing date: January 18, 2008
Please apply, stating clearly which vacancy is of interest, with full CV either in writing or by e-mail to Kim Taylor, Personnel Manager, HR Wallingford, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 8BA.

Two PhD positions at the University of Calabria, Italy
Hydraulic Engineering for the Environment and Territory
Only non-Italian post-graduate students are admitted. The PhD Course lasts 3 years.
Deadline: January 3, 2008
For more information contact to Dr. Roberto Gaudio

Posdoc Scientis, MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
Investigation on suspended sediment and fluid mud dynamics
Applicants holding a PhD in geosciences (or a related field) and having  experience in coastal geology and hydro-acoustics should submit a letter  of motivation, their CV, their relevant certificates, a reference list  and the names of two referees (all combined within one PDF document) by  e-mail to Dierk Hebbeln who also responds to further enquiries. As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female  employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply. In case of equal personal aptitudes and qualification, disabled persons  will be given priority.
Review of applications will begin December 15, 2007
For more information click here.

Hydro-Ecological Modeller, CEH, Wallingford, UK
The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the UK's Centre of Excellence for research in the terrestrial and freshwater environmental sciences.
The successful candidate will support the team leader in modelling environmental systems. You will have some expertise in river hydrology plus ideally hydraulics or groundwater dynamics. An interest in modelling biological responses of plants or animal individuals or communities is essential, experience in this area would be an advantage, but can be developed within the post. The post holder will work on a variety of current and forthcoming applied and pure research projects.
The successful candidate will possess a PhD or equivalent level of knowledge in a relevant subject and one or more publications in scientific journals. You must be able to work well as part of team, though experience of leadership is not essential. Basic project management would be useful; the candidate would not be expected to lead projects initially, but would need to develop this skill. The ability to communicate effectively to a non-technical audience is essential. A demonstrable knowledge of computers is essential and the use of databases and its interaction with models is desirable.
Closing date: January 4, 2008
For more information click here.
(Source jobs.ac.uk)

Research Assistant/Associate Hydrological Modelling, Imperial College, London, UK
Fixed term appointment for 2 years
Applications are invited for a research assistant/associate post to contribute to a collaborative research project with the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, funded under NERC's FREE (Flood Risk from Extreme Events) programme. The work has a high profile and addresses key science and policy issues concerning the link between land use management and flooding. It aims to quantify local scale impacts of agricultural land use management in the UK uplands and determine how these impacts propagate to mesoscale catchments and affect extreme floods.
The project will link closely with the EPSRC-led Flood Risk Management Research Consortium and will build on multi-scale experimental data from the Severn, Eden and Ribble catchments. The appointee will join a modelling team at Imperial College, work in close liaison with Newcastle, and be part of an integrated research community, addressing interdisciplinary flood research issues.
The position is available immediately. Applicants should possess experience of hydrological modelling and data analysis, with high level skills in computing and data management. We envisage that the appointment will be made at post-doctoral level. For more information click here.
(Source: jobs.ac.uk)

5th International SedNet Conference
May 27-29, 2008, Oslo, Norway
Two themes will be dealt with during this conference: Urban Sediment Management and Port Redevelopment (27-28 May); and Sediment in River Basin Management Plans (29 May).
For further information, please contact the SedNet Secretariat: Mrs. Marjan Euser, or click here
(Source: Environmental Technologies Research)

International Summer School: Complex Flows, Turbulence, Morphodynamics and Ecology in Rivers
August 25-29, 2008, Delft,  Netherlands 
For more information, click here or contact the organizer.

6th International Symposium on Ultrasonic Doppler Methods in Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Engineering
September 9-11, 2008, Prague, Czech Republic
Deadline for Abstracts: December 31, 2007.
For more information, click here or contact the organizer.

FLOODRisk 2008 - European Conference on Flood Risk Management
September 30 - October 2, 2008, Oxford, UK
Organised by the EU-Project FLOODsite, FLOODrisk 2008 is an open forum for researchers, flood risk managers, policy makers and practitioners from government, commercial and research organisations, designers, owners and national agencies to discuss advances, case studies and best practice in this important subject.
Deadline for abstract submission: January 14, 2008.
For more information, click here.