Path4Med Modelling Workshop: building bridges across models, projects and borders

From 30 March to 1 April 2026, the Path4Med project hosted its Modelling Workshop at Wageningen University & Research, bringing together over 30 researchers from 10 countries and more than 13 institutions across Europe. The workshop was organised in cooperation with three other EU Horizon projects: SeaCure, GreenHood and NutriBudget. It was a great opportunity for cross-project networking and collaboration on diverse topics, such as water quality, agriculture and sustainability across the continent’s basins.

The workshop was organised by Javier Renovell Sala, Maryna Strokal, Spyros Paparrizos, Mengru Wang, Ilaria Micella, and Aslıhan Ural-Janssen, all researchers of the Earth Systems and Global Change (ESC) Group.

Over three days, participants explored a wide range of models operating at different scales: from field-scale (e.g., DAISY, AquaCrop-OSPy), to catchment-scale (e.g., SWAT), to the large-scale MARINA model. Strokal: “The MARINA model was even used in a hands-on training session where groups developed future scenarios to reduce nutrient pollution in the Ebro, Rhine and Danube river basins.” The third day focused on synergies between the four EU projects and on the design of an integrated communication platform (a key deliverable of Path4Med’s WP6, led by the WUR team) with participants contributing ideas on target users, data needs and format.

The workshop exceeded its initial expectations. Beyond the scientific and technical outcomes, it was a significant step in community building. Renovell Sala: “Researchers connected, exchanged knowledge and identified concrete opportunities for collaboration. These include joint modelling exercises, model intercomparison studies, a shared data catalogue, and a review paper on how models across scales can be used to support zero-pollution goals. Working groups will be formed to take these ideas forward.”