Monitoring freshwater systems: from Earth Observation to field measurements

October 06, 2026 - October 07, 2026
Conference

Polytech Tours
64 avenue Jean Portalis
37200 Tours
France

Presentation

The concept of Earth Observation (EO) aims to analyze the atmosphere, land surfaces, and waters using terrestrial, airborne, and satellite remote sensing platforms. EO generates massive influxes of data documenting terrestrial and aquatic systems, leading to a paradigm shift in the observation and measurement of ecosystem dynamics at different spatiotemporal scales. The increased availability of data in this field is accompanied by the development of cutting-edge monitoring tools, often based on a combination of diverse remote sensing technologies and ground-based validation, providing innovative products that can be used for research, modeling, planning strategies, and decision-making. For the study of river systems, EO provides data spanning a broad disciplinary spectrum, from hydraulic processes to ecosystem monitoring.

This conference will focus on recent advances in the field of EO and field measurements of river systems. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art, address current scientific challenges and obstacles, and outline future developments related to the use of remote sensing data and its validation on the ground in the field of river science.

The planned sessions will cover

  • integration of EO with in-situ measurement systems
  • definition of new monitoring services
  • use of innovative sensors and EO data
  • impact of EO advancements on environmental policies and management

The opportunity to demonstrate how EO plays a role in a wide range of topics will foster discussions among experts from different disciplines, thereby promoting collaborations to solve problems that require a trans- and interdisciplinary approach.

During the congress, we will bring together researchers and water managers from around the world, uniting leading teams working on EO technology and field measurements in fluvial systems, encompassing a broad range of research fields, from geophysics and geography to water resources management and land planning.

Organized by renovated scholars with the support of international associations like IAHR and supported by LeStudium, the University of Tours, and the Institute of Geophysics PAS, this conference will offer an academic environment that fosters intellectual exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 

Convenors

Michael Nones, LE STUDIUM Visiting Researcher

FROM Institute of Geophysics Polish Academy of Sciences - PL
IN RESIDENCE AT CItés, TERritoires, Environnement et Sociétés (CITERES) / CNRS, University of Tours - FR 

Stéphane Rodrigues 
CItés, TERritoires, Environnement et Sociétés (CITERES) / CNRS, University of Tours - FR

Oral presentations & posters

Abstracts should be submitted before Monday 29th June 2026.

Please upload your abstract during the registration or send it before the deadline to maurine.villiers@lestudium-ias.fr.

The number of oral presentations is limited, convenors will process a selection and confirm your presentation by Monday 13th July 2026.

Please note that we do not print the posters, but racks & pins will be provided for up to A0 sizes, portrait format.

Location

Polytech Tours

Polytech Tours 

Polytech Tours, 64 Avenue Jean Portalis, 37200 Tours

Right in the heart of Tours, easily accessible by tram and public transport, Polytech Tours welcomes you to a leading engineering school within the Université de Tours. Founded in 2002 and part of the national Réseau Polytech, the school trains future engineers in key scientific fields, combining academic excellence, research innovation, and strong industry partnerships. At Polytech Tours, students prepare to meet tomorrow’s technological challenges in a dynamic and forward-looking environment.

How to get there ?

Train By train:

* Tours centre station
 1.5 hour trip from Paris (Montparnasse)

 * Saint Pierre des Corps (4km from Tours town centre)

Bus 5, 20 minutes trip to Tours centre station

> Plan your trip by train: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

 

By tramway:

25 minutes trip from Tours centre station

> Take Tramway A in direction to Lycée Jean Monnet, step out at  Fac 2 Lions stop

Polytech Tours is a 10-minute walk from the stop.

 

By bus:

30 minutes trip from Tours centre station

> Take Bus 5 in direction to Parc Grandmont, step out at Polytech stop.

 

Voiture By car:

GPS: 47.36475386909425, 0.685347314837708
Please note that you can't park in the courtyard in front of the Polytech building.
Paid car park nearby : 
Parking Indigo Heure Tranquille, 59 Avenue Marcel Mérieux, 37000 Tours
Parking Zenpark, 12 rue Paul Nizan, 37000 Tours

 

Avion By plane:

*Arrival at Roissy Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport
Take RER B in direction to Saint Rémy Les Chevreuse, step out at Denfert Rochereau Stop
Metro 6 in direction to Charles de Gaulle Etoile, step out at Montparnasse Bienvenue Stop 

> Then take a train to Tours (see "by train" section above)

*Arrival at Paris-Orly (ORY) airport: 

Take Metro 14 in direction to Saint-Denis - Pleyel, step out at Kleber Stop.
Take Metro 6 in direction to Kleber, step out at Montparnasse Bienvenue Stop for Montparnasse train station

or
Take Metro 14 in direction to Saint-Denis - Pleyel, step out at Bibliothèque-François Mitterrand  Stop.
Take RER C in direction to Gare de Pontoise, step out at Gare d'Austerlitz Stop for Austerlitz train station

> Then take a train to Tours (see "by train" section above) 

 General Information

Information
Congress Venue

Polytech Tours, 64 Avenue Jean Portalis

37200 Tours, France

Dates
 Dates

Tuesday, 6th October - Wednesday, 7th October 2026

Language
 Language

The official language of the Congress is English

Badge
Welcome pack and Name Badge

Upon arrival you will receive a welcome pack that includes the printed material of the Conference and your name badge will be given to you at the reception . Please wear your name badge at all times during the Conference and to all official Conference events.

Invitation Letters
Invitation Letters

 An official letter of invitation facilitating the obtention of an entry visa can be sent upon request . In order to receive an invitation letter for visa purposes, send an email to maurine.villiers@lestudium-ias.fr. Please note that : 
- we only issue an official letter once the payment of the registration fee has been validated.
- such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Organisers to provide any financial assistance.

Certificat
Certificate of attendance

 After the conference, in order to receive a certficate of participation, send an email to maurine.villiers@lestudium-ias.fr

 

Tourist visits in Touraine :

 

 

Cathedrale_St_Gatien

Cathédrale Saint Gatien: This impressive cathedral boasts a facade adorned with detailed carvings and remarkable stained glass windows, a testament to flamboyant Gothic architecture. St-Gatien's Cathedral is open from 8.30am to 8pm every day of the week. It is located Place de la Cathédrale, 37000 Tours. You can reach them on 02 47 70 21 00.

Place_Plumereau

Place Plumereau: Situated in the heart of Vieux Tours, this lively square is surrounded by half-timbered houses and numerous cafés and restaurants, providing a friendly atmosphere in which to relax and observe local life.

Basilique_St_Martin_Rond

Basilique Saint Martin: An important place of pilgrimage, with its impressive architecture and crypt housing the saint's tomb. Saint Martin church is open from 7.15am to 7pm from Tuesday to Saturday. It is located 7 Baleschoux Street, 37000 Tours. You can reach them on 02 47 05 63 87.

Tour_Charlemagne

Charlemagne Tower : A real landmark in the town, the Charlemagne tower (and its neighbour, the Horloge tower) are the last remains of the medieval collegiate church of Saint-Martin, destroyed between 1798 and 1802. The Tour de l'Horloge (50m) was part of the main façade, while the Tour Charlemagne (56m) was the bell tower on the north arm of the transept. The Charlemagne Tower is open from Monday to Thursday (8.30am to 5pm) and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. It is located 83 Halles Street, 37000 Tours. You can reach them on 02 47 21 61 88.

Musée_Histoire_Naturelle_Rond

Museum of Natural History of Tours : Located in the old town of Tours, just a stone's throw from Place Plumereau, the Natural History Museum offers permanent and temporary scientific exhibitions, as well as a vast vivarium area and a rich natural science documentation centre. The museum is open every day of the week from 9.30am to 12.30pm / 2pm to 6pm. It is located 3 President Merville Street, 37000 Tours. The museum is a 15-minutes walk from Tours station. You can reach them on 02 47 21 68 08. Full price €5 / Low price €2.50.

CCCOD_Rond

Le Centre de Création contemporaine Olivier Debré : Right in the heart of the Loire châteaux region, the CCC OD provides the city of Tours with a prestigious creative venue of international renown. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm and Saturday until 7pm. You can contact them : 02 47 66 50 00 / contact@cccod.fr . Prices from €5.50 to €8.50.

 

 

Chateau
Castles :
Chateau de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau: Nicknamed the ‘Château des Dames’, it is famous for its elegant architecture spanning the Cher and its refined gardens. The Château de Chenonceau can be reached by train in 30 minutes from Tours station. The château is a 2-minute walk from Chenonceau station. It is possible to book tickets to visit on the website : https://www.chenonceau.com/ . The full adult fare is €18, €16 for students, €15 for children from 7 to 18 years old.

Chateau de Villandry

Château de Villandry: Known for its formal gardens, it offers an exceptional visual experience with its flower and vegetable beds. The castle is located 3 Main Street, 37510 Villandry. The castle is open from 9am to 6pm and gardens between 9am to 7pm. You can come by public transport from Tours with the bus for 1 hour. Information from the service provider: 02 47 66 70 70.

Forteresse_Royale_Chinon

Forteresse Royale de Chinon: This medieval castle offers a glimpse into French history and a breathtaking view of the River Vienne. It is located 2 Castle Street, 37500 Chinon. The forteresse is 40 minutes from Tours by car and 20 minute walk from Chinon station. It is open every day from 9.30am to 6pm. Prices range for €8.50 to €10.50.

Clos_Luce

Château du Clos Lucé: The last home of Leonardo da Vinci, it features models of his inventions and a park dedicated to his works. It is located 2 Clos Lucé Street, 37400 Amboise. It is open every day from 10am to 64pm. The castle is accessible by train from Tours Station to Amboise and you have to walk 25 minutes to reach the castle. A bus service runs between the station and Amboise town centre all year round. You can contact them at 02 47 57 00 73.

Pricing

Public institutions 100 EUR
IAHR member 90 EUR
Students & PhD Scholars 50 EUR
Gala dinner 60 EUR

 

(Including two lunches, a cocktail on the first evening and the coffee breaks)

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing and sent by email to the Registration Department
Up to 30 days prior to conference start – Full refund less €50 handling fee
Less than 30 days prior to conference start – No refund

Partners of the event

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