Scientists from ICTP's Earth System Physics (ESP) section returned to high school recently to share their knowledge of the Earth's hydrological cycle with a group of international, highly achieving students attending the United World College in Duino, near Trieste.

The Centre's International Summer School on Water in the Anthropocene brought together a selection of the most prominent European environmental researchers, who conducted an intensive, five-day science programme that introduced students to the climate system and mechanisms of human-driven forcing that define the Anthropocene. In particular, the School focused on the hydrological cycle, its role within the Earth system and interaction with human society. Students worked in groups to complete projects that they presented at the end of the programme.

"The challenges posed by the Anthropocene—including rising temperatures and sea levels—can be met only by a generation of educated and environmentally responsible citizens," said course director Claudio Piani of ESP. He added that each of the students will share their experience with their classmates upon returning to their local institutes, furthering the mission of the summer school.

Feedback from School participants was overwhelmingly positive. "The summer school was a huge success. Our three delegates have not stopped talking about it and they are, as we are, massively indebted to [ICTP and United World College] for facilitating what they have been describing as a life changing experience. They have returned buzzing with excitement and desperately keen to implement some of the ideas they brought back with them," said Gary Seston, vice principal of United World College of South East Asia.