The transdisciplinary series of events "Potsdam Summer School" will be interactive, with experts from high-ranking national and international institutes and organizations contributing their knowledge. This year's program includes topics such as heavy precipitation and flooding, as well as droughts and water shortages, and water quality aspects. During the #Potsdam Summer School #PSS2021, we will discuss the influence of the state of the hydrosphere on humankind and vice versa. We will develop innovative solutions of local, regional and global challenges in order to gain a better understanding of the state of the hydrosphere. Within the programme we will focus on three major aspects:

     • Too much: Heavy precipitation, flooding, salinization
     • Too little: Extreme droughts, exploitation of drinking water
     • Too bad: Pollution, utilisation, accessibility, distribution and sanitation

We will merge expertise from various scientific disciplines and perspectives from societal stakeholders. Since the sharing of interdisciplinary knowledge and expertise is highly relevant to find answers to the global grand challenges, the following questions will guide the ten-day programme:

     • What do we know – and don’t know – about the role of the hydrosphere within the earth system?
     • Who are stakeholders and actors in terms of hydrosphere services?
     • How can multiple perspectives be merged into integrated strategies?
     • What can be done on a local, regional and global level?
     • How can we prevent political conflicts?
     • How can scientists address audiences from all societal areas?

The aim of the Potsdam Summer School is to bring together talented early-career scientists and young professionals operating in the private sector, governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations from many different parts of the world to discuss frontier (research) questions on future sustainable development.

We also aim to enable participants to engage with various sectors of the public in their home countries. Our goalis to improve science awareness and help to develop informed opinions and enhance the transferable skills of current researchers and practitioners.

In partnership with Geo.X and the City of Potsdam, the 2021 Potsdam Summer School will be jointly organised by the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the Helmholtz-Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), and the University of Potsdam.

The organisers intend to conduct the 10-day programme in a format whereby all participants and speakers will be present in Potsdam. Should it be the case that the overall situation with regard to the current pandemic precludes in-person attendance the organisers will revert to a virtual format.

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