The first edition of the International Course on Volcanology will take place from 20 October to 1 November. Olot (La Garrotxa)—La Palma is a unique training course that will combine theory, practice, and field trips in two of Europe’s most unique volcanic regions.

The course is organized by Geosciences Barcelona (GEO3BCN-CSIC), the academic director, and coordinated by the Espai Cràter (Olot City Council), the Island Council of La Palma, the Foundation for Higher Studies of Olot, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, and International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI).

This initiative is the first action arising from the agreement between Garrotxa, La Palma, and the CSIC, signed last November, which promotes territorial cooperation in areas such as scientific research and development, European projects, digitisation and digital transformation, and the exchange of knowledge.

An intensive programme with theory and practice in the field

The course offers a comprehensive training in volcanology that will allow participants to acquire fundamental knowledge about magmatic and volcanic processes and current study methods. Over two weeks, students will combine sessions at the Espai Cràter Olot , in La Garrotxa, and Los Llanos de Aridane, in La Palma, with field trips.

In La Garrotxa, they will work on topics such as petrology, physical volcanology, volcanic stratigraphy, and geophysics applied to volcanology. Also, volcanic process modelling and data analysis, numerical modelling, AI and Machine Learning. In La Palma, the contents will focus on the geology of the Canary Islands, volcanic monitoring, and the analysis, management, and communication of volcanic risk.

Field trips to emblematic places such as the Garrotxa Volcanic Field and La Palma, in the Canary Islands, will become a unique opportunity to apply the theory learned and to explore, accompanied by expert faculty, the main geosites and volcanic outcrops of the two regions.

A teaching team of international prestige

The course is directed by Dr. Adelina Geyer and Dr. Xavier de Bolós, from the Applied Volcanology Team of Geosciences Barcelona (GEO3BCN – CSIC), with the participation of an outstanding group of professionals from prestigious institutions such as the CSIC, the University of Barcelona, the Sapienza University of Rome, the National Geographic Institute and the University of La Laguna.

With a strong academic framework and an interdisciplinary approach, the course promotes collaboration among experts from various fields to comprehensively address the challenges of modern volcanology.

Registration and practical information

The course is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students in geosciences, physics, chemistry, and related disciplines, as well as researchers, technicians, and professionals specializing in volcanology, volcanic risk management, geoconservation, and geothermal energy. It is also aimed at educators, science communicators, and outreach professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge of volcanology.

The pre-registration period will be open from April 15 to May 15, with a total of 25 available spots. The enrollment fee is €750, which includes transportation between Olot and La Palma. Students may apply for various scholarships. Full course details are available at espaicrater.com/cursvulcanologia. For further information or inquiries, please contact fes@olot.cat.