DISPEC Training School

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The Training School of the "Scientific exploitation of space Data for improved Ionospheric SPECification (DISPEC)" project will be held on 21-25 September 2026 at the Conference Centre of CIHEAM-MAICh in Chania, Crete, Greece.

The DISPEC Training School is an advanced, interdisciplinary programme designed to equip early-career researchers with a solid theoretical background and practical skills in the observation, modelling, and interpretation of ionospheric variability and disturbances.

The school focuses on the physics and dynamics of the ionosphere across multiple spatial and temporal scales, with particular emphasis on ionospheric irregularities and space-weather-driven processes that are often under-represented in standard models. Through a combination of lectures, discussion-oriented sessions and hackathons, participants will be introduced to both established and emerging methodologies used in contemporary ionospheric research.

Key objectives of the Training School are to:

  • provide a coherent overview of the physical processes governing the ionosphere and its coupling with the neutral atmosphere and magnetosphere;
  • familiarise participants with state-of-the-art ground-based and space-based observational techniques (e.g. GNSS, ionosondes, radars, satellite missions);
  • introduce advanced modelling approaches, including data-assimilative, data-driven methods, and Machine Learning algorithms, with attention to their strengths, limitations, and applicability;
  • promote critical thinking on how observations, models, and theory can be combined to produce High-Level Data Products, transforming complex, heterogeneous measurements into scientifically robust and usable products for research and applications.

The school is primarily aimed at MSc students, PhD candidates, and early postdoctoral researchers in space physics, atmospheric science, geophysics, and related fields. Participants are expected to have a basic background in space or atmospheric science, but no prior specialized expertise in ionospheric modelling is required.

By the end of the Training School, participants will be better equipped to assess and apply different observational and modelling tools in their own research and to engage with international research networks and with the Space Safety European Programme.

Indicative Topics

The Training School programme will consist of a series of thematic lectures delivered by experts from the DISPEC consortium and invited speakers. The final schedule will be announced closer to the event. Indicative topics include:

  • Fundamentals of the Ionosphere
    • Ionospheric structure, composition, and dynamics
    • Coupling between the ionosphere, thermosphere, and magnetosphere
  • Ionospheric Variability and Disturbances
    • Space weather drivers and geomagnetic activity
    • Traveling ionospheric disturbances and ionospheric irregularities
    • Equatorial, mid-latitude, and high-latitude processes
  • Observational Techniques
    • Ground-based measurements (GNSS receivers, ionosondes, radars)
    • Space-born observations (in situ satellite data, radio occultation measurements)
    • Multi-instrument and multi-scale data integration
  • Ionospheric Modelling
    • Physics-based and empirical models
    • Data assimilation techniques
    • Strengths and limitations of current operational models
  • Data-Driven and Emerging Approaches
    • Data curation, including data quality evaluation
    • Machine learning and AI methods in ionospheric research
    • Identification of ionospheric anomalies and detection of irregularities
    • Electron density reconstruction techniques
    • Ray-tracing models
    • Long-term ionospheric time series analysis
    • Future directions for next-generation ionospheric models

Lectures will be given by senior scientists and researchers actively involved in the DISPEC project, providing participants with direct insight into current research challenges and methodologies.

Hackathon-style sessions will give participants the opportunity to collaboratively analyse ground-based and space-born observations, test modelling or data-driven approaches, and develop prototype solutions to well-defined ionospheric science challenges, with support from DISPEC experts.

Invited and Contributing Lecturers (Preliminary)

Anna Belehaki (NOA)

Maria Kaselimi (NOA)

Kostas Koutroumbas (NOA)

Ivan Galkin (BGD)

Wojciech Jarmolowski (UWM)

Pawel Wielgosz (UWM)

Vincent Fabbro (ONERA)

Xavier Baumann (ONERA)

Manuel Hernandez-Pajares (UPC)

German Olivares-Pulido (UPC)

Event details

When: 21-25 September 2026

Location: Conference Centre of CIHEAM-MAICh, Chania, Crete, Greece (sign_info.png | sign_location.png)

Format: In-person, hands-on

Speakers: 10 lectures & mentors 

Working language: English

Participant Fees: Funded (The project budget covers students' accommodation and full board at MAICh)

Key dates

Registration Opening: 25 February 2026

Application Closing: 30 April 2026

Acceptance Letters: 30 May 2026

Final Programme: 15 July 2026 

Committees

Programme Committee: Anna Belehaki (NOA), Konstantinos Koutroumbas (NOA), Manuel Hernandez-Pajares (UPC), German Olivares-Pulido (UPC), Ivan Galkin (BGD), Wojciech Jarmolowski (UWM), Pawel Wielgosz (UWM), Vincent Fabbro (ONERA), Xavier Baumann (ONERA)

Evaluation Committee: Anna Belehaki (NOA), Pawel Wielgosz (UWM), Vincent Fabbro (ONERA)

Local Organising Committee: Angeliki Thanasou (NOA), Anna Belehaki (NOA), Themistocles Herekakis (NOA)