Day 3 – Project Presentations Take Centre Stage in Bertinoro

The third day of the Sustainable Coastal Growth and Resilience in-person week in Bertinoro was fully dedicated to the students' final project presentations. After days of intensive teamwork and expert input, participants took the floor to present their personal projects—comprehensive coastal resilience plans designed to address real-world challenges.

The morning and afternoon were structured around multiple presentation sessions, with in-person and remote students sharing their work in 12-minute slots followed by 3 minutes of discussion. The audience, including fellow participants, course directors and experts, engaged actively in these exchanges, offering feedbacks and raising critical questions.

Joining the course directors was Renata Archetti, Full Professor at the University of Bologna and co-director of the School. Together with Nadia Pinardi and Quillon Harpham, she began the process of evaluating the projects. The assessment focused not only on content, but also on how participants managed to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills developed over the five course modules.

Each project was designed to mimic real-world professional scenarios. Participants had to identify and address coastal hazards, assess risk exposure, incorporate enabling technologies, and develop innovative strategies for sustainable and resilient coastal infrastructure. A key evaluation criterion was the ability to reflect on the similarities and differences that emerged during the week through exchanges with peers—transforming diversity into a valuable source of insight and inspiration for further development.

This final exercise marked a key learning moment, giving students the opportunity to apply scientific knowledge and systemic thinking to practical, context-based solutions. Throughout the day, the atmosphere was focused yet supportive, with students drawing on their diverse professional backgrounds to present solutions grounded in their regional contexts. The general discussions that followed each session sparked further exchange of ideas and deepened mutual understanding across disciplines.

As the course progresses, the directors and evaluation committee continue reviewing the projects, while students reflect on their learning journey and prepare for the final stages of the week.