| WHEN | 20. – 23.09.2026 |
| LOCATION | Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz |
| TARGET AUDIENCE | International and national PhD students, PostDocs and professionals with relevant practical experience (Further information can be found in section FAQ) |
| WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN LEARN | Hands-on training in applying the WaterGAP global hydrological model, from running simulations to interpreting results for diverse research questions |
| PREREQUISITIES FOR PARTICIPATION | Basic python and hydrology knowledge, reading of selected relevant publications |
| LANGUAGE | English |
| MAX. PARTICIPANTS | 15 |
| FEE | 250,00 € |
| SCHOLARSHIP | Possible Further information can be found in section Application & Scholarship |
| APPLICATIONS BY | 31.05.2026 |
WaterGAP (Water – Global Assessment and Prognosis) is a global hydrological model that simulates water flows and storage worldwide. It quantifies key components of the water cycle – including river discharge, groundwater storage, and soil moisture – while explicitly accounting for human impacts such as agricultural and industrial water withdrawals, consumption, and artificial reservoirs. As such, WaterGAP is a central tool for assessing water scarcity, identifying climate-vulnerable regions, and supporting sustainable water management at the global scale.
Due to its detailed structure, numerous parameters, and extensive data requirements, WaterGAP has a steep learning curve. The summer school equips international early-career researchers with the skills needed to apply the model confidently and correctly in their own research. Through hands-on training and direct interaction with expert developers, participants gain both technical proficiency and a solid understanding of the model’s hydrological concepts and assumptions.
In addition, the summer school fosters a collaborative learning environment that introduces participants to the WaterGAP open-source ecosystem. By engaging with the model’s architecture and workflows, participants are encouraged to move beyond model application and towards active involvement in its further development.
After the summer school, participants will be able to:
- understand the structure, assumptions, and limitations of the WaterGAP model
- set up, run, and evaluate WaterGAP simulations for different regions and applications
- analyze and interpret model outputs related to water availability, use, and scarcity
- work with the WaterGAP open-source codebase, including basic code modification
- apply best practices in version control and collaborative model development
The application deadline is 31.05.2026. To apply, please fill out the form below.
You need to provide following:
- CV (One page)
- Letter of motivation including a brief overview of your current research (One page)
By mid-June you will receive notification about the acceptance of your application.
Sunday, 20 September 2026, is planned as the arrival day, with a joint icebreaker event scheduled for the evening. From 21 to 23 September 2026, the regular summer school program will take place at the Geo-ComputerLab of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
Monday, 21.09.2026:
The first day provides an introduction to the summer school and the WaterGAP model, followed by hands-on setup of the model environment and initial simulations.
Tuesday, 22.09.2026:
Day two focuses on running WaterGAP and analyzing key output variables, including discharge and water-use impacts, through guided exercises and group work.
Wednesday, 23.09.2026:
On the final day, participants modify model code, explore resulting changes in outputs, and discuss uncertainties as well as collaboration and contribution workflows.
A detailed program overview will follow.
The venue for the WaterGAP summer school is the ‘GeoPool’ workroom at the Geography Department of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The workroom is located in the Faculty of Natural Sciences building (German: „Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät“) on the university’s main campus.
Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 21
55128 Mainz
Room 01-183 (First floor)
The content of the summer school is developed by researchers who played a key role in the original development of the WaterGAP model. The programme is made possible through collaboration between scientists from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Goethe University Frankfurt and Ruhr University Bochum.
The summer school is made possible by financial support from the ICWRGC.
The Earth System Modelling Working Group at the Institute of Geography at Johannes Gutenberg University, led by Robert Reinecke and supported by student assistants, is responsible for the local organisation.
No, please make your own travel and accommodation arrangements.
If you are in need of financial support, we have the possibility to offer scholarships covering the participation fee as well as necessary travel expenses. You will find more information in the section Application & Scholarship.
The participation fee covers lunch from Monday to Wednesday, as well as snacks and beverages during teaching hours. It also includes a public transport ticket valid for the week and planned group activities in the evenings.
No. While the summer school is primarily aimed at PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, we also welcome applications from professionals and practitioners working in public institutions or NGOs, particularly those engaged in water-related challenges.
In addition, highly motivated Master’s students may apply if they can provide a convincing explanation of how the summer school is relevant to their academic or professional background.
We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from all candidates who feel that the summer school aligns with their experience and interests.
It is necessary for us to collect personal data via this synch-to-share server. If this causes problems for you, please send us your documents by email to watermodelschool@uni-mainz.de as an exception.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the summer school, please feel free to contact us by email: watermodelschool@uni-mainz.de
The central data protection policy of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz applies. Find more information here: https://erdsysmod.uni-mainz.de/datenschutz/
Furthermore, personal data is collected during the application process. You will find further information in section ‘3.1 Supplementary information on data processing – Registration for the Summer School‘
