5th International Summer School on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Earth Observation Technologies for Climate-Resilient Water Resources Management
Theme: Advancing Digital Frontiers in Water Security: Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Earth Observation Technologies for Climate-Resilient Water Resources Management in Africa
Dates: 12–26 October 2026
Venue: Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbeya, Tanzania
About the Summer School
Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), in partnership with WaterNet, is pleased to announce the 5th International Summer School on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and Earth Observation (EO) Technologies for Climate-Resilient Water Resources Management, to be held from 12th to 26th October 2026 at MUST, Mbeya, Tanzania.
The Summer School will be followed by a series of field excursions in Iringa and Dodoma, ending in Arusha, where the 27th WaterNet Symposium will be held.
This intensive two-week programme bridges the critical gap between traditional hydrological science and cutting-edge digital transformation technologies, in alignment with the 27th WaterNet Symposium theme and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme aims to empower the next generation of African water professionals with advanced technical capabilities to leverage Earth Observation and Artificial Intelligence for sustainable water security across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The curriculum includes:
- Interactive lectures and technical laboratory sessions.
- Practical fieldwork and educational excursions.
- Science competitions.
- Innovation pitching and three-minute research competitions.
- Creative engagement through art and performance activities.
- A recognition and awards ceremony.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the programme, participants will:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), including governance frameworks that promote sustainable water resource management practices.
- Recognise the impacts of climate change on water resources and acquire strategies for developing resilient infrastructure for sustainable water management.
- Understand the interdependencies between water, energy, and food systems, and apply integrated approaches for managing them sustainably.
- Utilise cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that enhance monitoring, modelling, and decision-making processes in IWRM.
- Understand opportunities and challenges associated with water, ecosystem, and environmental interactions.
- Promote innovative approaches, best practices, and appropriate technologies to improve sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.
- Design scientific research in the field of IWRM and strengthen skills in scientific writing and research methodology.
- Develop proficiency in using the EO AFRICA Innovation Lab and Virtual Research Environment (VRE), including AI libraries and open-source tools for hydrological modelling, satellite image processing, and project development.
- Apply Earth Observation data and knowledge of the Copernicus Programme to utilise optical and SAR satellite imagery for surface water monitoring, hazard assessment, and water resources management.
Programme Outline
The programme will cover the following topics:
- Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and governance for sustainability.
- Climate change and adaptation strategies for IWRM.
- Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus modelling and analysis.
- Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) and innovative approaches for affordable WASH services.
- The Copernicus Programme, cloud-based tools, and open Earth Observation data access.
- Optical and SAR remote sensing for water monitoring and hazard assessment.
- Image processing and machine learning in Python for water resource applications.
- Scientific writing and research communication.
- Group projects, fieldwork excursions, science competitions, and cultural activities.
Eligibility
Applications are invited from:
- Postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD candidates).
- Postdoctoral fellows.
- Early-career researchers.
- Professionals working in relevant disciplines, including:
- Water Resources Engineering.
- Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
- Catchment Management.
- Integrated Sanitation Management.
- Civil Engineering.
- Environmental Science.
- Geomatics/Geoinformatics.
- Energy.
- Agriculture.
- Forestry.
- Natural Resource Conservation.
- Urban and Regional Planning.
- Other closely related fields.
Applicants who are not currently enrolled as students must submit a one-page concept note or proposal outlining how participation in the Summer School aligns with their professional responsibilities, research interests, or institutional mandates.
Applicants must:
- Be proficient in English.
- Bring their own laptop for practical training sessions.
Priority for sponsorship will be given to participants who have already secured funding to attend the 27th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWPSA Symposium in Arusha, Tanzania, from 28–30 October 2026.
Programme Cost
Self-sponsored participants:
- International participants: USD 700
- Local (Tanzanian) participants: TZS 750,000
The fee covers:
- Registration.
- Training.
- Accommodation.
- Lunches and teas during the two-week Summer School.
- Transit accommodation to Arusha.
Self-sponsored participants are responsible for:
- International flights.
- Airport transfers.
A limited number of full and partial sponsorships are available through WaterNet for financially needy candidates from SADC countries who meet the programme requirements.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Apply Here link.
Applicants who are not currently enrolled as students must attach a one-page concept note or proposal as described under the eligibility requirements.
Applicants from Eastern and Southern Africa are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Payment Details
For Local (Tanzanian) Participants
Payment details are available through the official payment link.
For International Participants (WaterNet)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Holder | WaterNet Trust |
| Account Number | 9060002591915 |
| Bank | Stanbic Bank Botswana Limited |
| Branch | Fairgrounds |
| SWIFT Code | SBICBWGX |
| Currency | USD |
| Payment Reference | Summer School, Initials, Surname (e.g. Summer School, D. Kidawa) |
Organisers
- Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST)
- WaterNet