Participant Guidance

Welcome to the Sustainability Training Academy (STA)! This guide is designed to ensure that your experience in Venice is enriching, seamless, and successful. It contains essential information about the programme, expectations, accommodations, safety, and support systems, helping you make the most of your time with us.

2.0 Key Actions Before the STA

2.1 Please take a moment to introduce yourself on the Padlet:

Padlet Link: IGSD ECR Sustainability Training Academy 2025

Your Name + Photo

Affiliation

Career Stage/Type

Short Biography (max 200 words)
By submitting your biography, you consent for us to display this information on our website as part of the ECR Global Network.

Research Interests

What topics or conversations are you open to?
For example: “Hi, I’m Emellyne. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in discussing the intersection of speculative fiction and climate governance. I love engaging in conversations that challenge boundaries and imagine alternative futures!”

Please also indicate whether you are willing to let the STA team display your name and bio on the STA website post the even

We’ll be taking photos throughout the day to capture the energy and moments from the Training Academy. If you're happy for us to use photos that include you in our future promotional materials, please take a moment to sign the consent form.

Your support helps us celebrate and showcase the amazing work happening here—thank you!

Link to photography consent form

2.2 Creative Sessions Preparation

Please bring A Small Object: Choose an item that symbolises your research area, personal interests, or the inspiration behind becoming a researcher. Pick something meaningful that tells your story.

2.3 Visual Dispatches

A core feature of the STA programme is Visual Dispatches, where we juxtapose images that represent your origin with your experiences in Venice to encourage reflections of place and placemaking in your own work. To participate, please upload one photograph (in digital format) to the Padlet. The image should reflect the city, town, or village you come from, or the location you are studying in your research. Along with the photo, provide a brief explanation and your name. Make sure to complete this before your arrival in Venice.

While in Venice, we would also like you to choose one photograph amongst those you take in city that best represents what the city offered you during the week – these could be things like a better understanding of sustainability challenges facing the city, your experiences as a visitor, a home away from home – whatever you’d like it to be. Please email that photograph on the last day of the academy to us so that we can create a curated display of this year’s STA.

2.4 Essential Reading

There is an essential reading list that has been uploaded to the Padlet. And there is a wider reading list that is available under the resources section on the website. To make best use of the academy, we recommend that you read the essential readings but also familiarise yourself with other recommended material from the website.

Padlet Link: IGSD ECR Sustainability Training Academy 2025

2.5 Presentations

Please prepare an 8 minute presentation , with no more than 6-8 slides, to introduce your research, and also to ask what you would like the audience to give you (e.g. are you looking for a collaborator? Are you wanting feedback on your research? Or are you wanting to learn more about contexts outside of your own? etc) This is an opportunity for you to form a tribe that can mutually help each other achieve that and we ask that your presentation reflects your aspirations from the academy while also giving everyone a flavour of the work you are engaged in. Your presentation session will then be followed by a 10-minute Q&A from the audience.

Please find your presentation groups here and upload your presentations to the Padlet 48 hours before you are due to present.

Padlet Link: IGSD ECR Sustainability Training Academy 2025

2.6 Your emergency details:

REALLY IMPORTANT - Please submit your emergency contact details to the organising team as soon as possible. This is the phone number and name of your next of kin.

3.0 Programme Overview

3.1 Programme Information

The STA offers a diverse range of interdisciplinary sessions focused on just transitions, sustainable development, climate resilience, and environmental justice. These sessions combine academic lectures with practical applications to enable collaborative learning.

3.2 Key Dates and Schedule

Accommodation is arranged from March 29th. Meals will not be provided on the 29th. The programme will begin on Sunday, March 30th, 2025 at 10:00 at the Warwick Venice Centre.

For detailed scheduling, including individual presentation slots and social events, please refer to the STA Programme

3.3 Group Projects

Find out more by visiting the information in the Padlet

4.0 Expectations

4.1 Community Values and Expectations

We are committed to ensuring a community of respect, integrity, and inclusivity. As a participant, we ask that you:

Respect all individuals, regardless of their background.
Act with professionalism and engage in group activities collaboratively.
Follow Warwick's guidelines, including policies on sexual misconduct, alcohol, and drugs.

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/conduct-and-resolution/

4.2 Academic Integrity and Participation

Active participation is key. Expect interactive sessions, and engage with both speakers and peers for the duration of entire programme. We encourage mindfulness regarding the use of Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) in your work. Please acknowledge in your work if you have done this. https://warwick.ac.uk/services/ris/research-integrity/airesearch

4.3 Wellbeing and Support

We are here to support your wellbeing throughout the programme. If you have any concerns; personal, academic, or health-related; please contact the programme team.

Accessibility and Quiet Space Information:

We want to ensure that all participants have a comfortable and inclusive experience. If you have any accessibility needs or require additional support, please let us know so we can make arrangements accordingly.

For those who require a quiet space or prayer room, we have designated side rooms available on the following days:

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - Academia Room
Thursday, Friday - Rialto Room

5.0 Practical Information

5.1 Getting to the Venue

The Warwick in Venice Teaching and Research Centre is located at Palazzo Giustinian Lolin.

Full Address:

Palazzo Giustinian Lolin, Venice

S. Marco, 2893, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Metropolitan City of Venice

We will be using two hotels for accommodation. You will receive detailed, personalised directions to the hotel based on your allocated location.

Arrival Information:

5.2 Google maps

While Google Maps can be helpful in Venice, it’s important to note that it’s not always entirely reliable due to the city’s narrow streets, winding alleys, and complex layout. If you do use the Google Maps app, please make sure to go into the settings and select the ‘Avoid Ferries’ option. This will reduce the likelihood of you being directed to a dead end or facing a waterway. It's also a good idea to use Google Maps as a guide, but be prepared to ask locals for directions, as the app may sometimes suggest routes that aren't practical in Venice's unique environment.

5.3 Comfortable Footwear

Venice’s streets are cobbled and narrow. We recommend wearing comfortable, supportive footwear to ensure a pleasant experience during excursions and daily activities.

5.4 Luggage and Backpacks

Navigating Venice’s canals and bridges can be challenging with large or heavy luggage. We recommend packing lightly, especially for easy travel between locations. A backpack or small carry-on suitcase will make your movement more manageable.

5.5 Be Aware of Pickpockets

Like any popular tourist destination, Venice has its share of pickpockets. Stay vigilant, secure your belongings, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Anti-theft backpacks or money belts are advisable.

6.0 Accommodation

6.1 Accommodation Options

Accommodation is provided at Domus Cilota and Don Orione Cultural Centre. Both facilities offer comfortable rooms with essential amenities. You will receive a personalised email telling you which hotel you are staying at.

6.2 Emergency Contacts at Accommodation

For emergencies relating to your accommodation; please contact reception:

Don Orione Reception: +39 041 522 4077

Domicus Ciliota: + +39 041 5204888

7.0 Meals and Dining

7.1 On-Site Catering

Meals will be provided at the Warwick in Venice Teaching Centre, including lunch and snacks during training days. Dietary preferences and intolerances have been noted, and we will cater to these needs as best as possible. The venue caterers, IES Farming, adhere to biodynamic and agroecological principles. Evening meals will be provided by Venice Banqueting.

7.2 Dining Out

On Sunday, lunch and dinner will be at OKE, a local restaurant offering authentic Venetian cuisine. Dietary needs have been submitted, and a set menu will be prepared for the group. We will also be dining at this restaurant on Monday and Friday evenings.

For meals outside the scheduled events, numerous cafes and restaurants are scattered across the city. Feel free to ask locals or staff for recommendations.

8.0 Safety and Security

8.1 General Safety

Venice is generally a safe city, but always remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Travel in pairs or groups, particularly in the evening.

8.2 Health and Medical Assistance

Emergency Services: Call 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.

Nearest Hospital: Ospedale SS. Giovanni e Paolo (24-hour emergency services).

9.0Additional Tips for a Successful Experience

9.1 Local Customs and Etiquette

Respect the environment: Always dispose of waste properly and avoid littering.
Dress code: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or public spaces.
Quiet hours: Venice has strict noise regulations, particularly in residential areas. Please be mindful of noise levels, especially in the evening.

9.2 Weather and Climate

Venice can be warm during the day, but evenings may be cooler. We recommend layering and checking the weather forecast before packing.

10.0 Frequently Asked Questions

10.1 What should I do if I lose my passport or identification?

Report the loss immediately to local authorities and contact your embassy. It's advisable to keep electronic copies of your passport or identification.

10.2 What if I need to leave early or miss a session?

If you need to leave early or miss a session, please inform a member of the team or the programme coordinator. If illness or emergencies arise, appropriate support will be provided.

11.0 Emergency Contact

For all emergencies, please contact:

Warwick Venice Centre Coordinator - Chiara Croff (venice@warwick.ac.uk)
Staff phone numbers will be shared as part of the induction process.
Emergency Services: Call 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.
Nearest Hospital: Ospedale SS. Giovanni e Paolo (24-hour emergency services).
Don Orione Reception: +39 041 522 4077
Domicus Ciliota: + +39 041 5204888

With thanks to our partners

Insitute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University Azerbaijan, Azim Premji University and the COP 29 Scientific Committee

ECR Sustainability Training Academy Venice 2025: Enabling Green and Just Transitions (March 30th - April 5th)