This event is a unique cooperation format designed to prepare gifted youth for a scientific career with international insights.

The course offered a rich and diverse agenda. The participants listened to a series of lectures on ice physical properties, primary production, phytoplankton and zooplankton in winter, under-ice physical processes and oxygen concentrations. There were field trips to lakes Pääjärvi, Taka-Killo and Lovonjärvi, where the hydrophysical, hydrochemical and hydrobiological methods of studying lakes were introduced and mastered in practice. The samples collected during the trips were then processed in the laboratory.

Apart from lectures and practical exercise, the participants were offered excursions around the station, where they learned about its history, as well as enjoyed exciting science-oriented leisure time, including lively talks by a fireplace and singing to guitar.
Each and every participant has definitely experienced scientific curiosity and inspiration caused by actual international cooperation, and managed to establish contacts for future joint work.

The Russian part of the group included researchers from the Northern Water Problems Institute KarRC RAS (Petrozavodsk) and Water Problems Institute RAS (Moscow), as well as students from the Petrozavodsk State University, Surgut State University, Russian State Hydrometeorological University, and St. Petersburg State University’s international master’s programme “Cold Regions Environmental Regions Integrated Science” (CORELIS).

Below are some comments from Winter Limnology Course participants.

Group of students from Surgut:
"The material presentation formats in the course were very interesting. There were many practical sessions. This is something that always arouses good emotions and a positive attitude. Thank you very much for the interesting lectures and insightful information. We’ve gained plenty of new knowledge and skills! We’ve got new friends and tutors! We’ve discovered new dimensions!"

E. Shornikova:
"We’re deeply grateful to the Northern Water Problems Institute and Tatyana Regerand personally, who’ve invited us to take part in the Winter Limnology Course! We thank all the staff of the Lammi Biological Station and the University of Helsinki who’ve contributed to the course organization and implementation for hospitality, rich theoretical programme and practical sessions at the lab! Guys learned lots of new stuff, mastered teamwork, learned how to deal with tasks efficiently and process information, improved their English language skills! The Limnology Course was particularly noted for an integrated approach to research arrangements! The arrangements were really impressive: every detail planned ahead, wonderfully equipped lab, qualified instructors, and at the same time a friendly atmosphere, good company to communicate with, a splendid surrounding landscape, delicious food – all that has made our trip to Finland unforgettable! We look forward to a possibility to return and continue working on Finnish lakes!"