It was great to be a part of the 16th International School on Foraminifera, held in Urbino. It offered an intensive and comprehensive training programme for students and professionals working in Micropalaeontology, Paleoceanography, Paleoecology, and related disciplines. This year’s edition combined approximately 60 hours of lectures with 60 hours of practical activities, providing participants with a deep understanding of the taxonomy, ecology, biodiversity, and geological significance of both benthic and planktonic foraminifera.
The school was structured into four focused modules: Foraminiferal Introduction, Larger Benthic Foraminifera, Planktonic Foraminifera, and Smaller Benthic Foraminifera. Each module included lectures from leading experts, hands-on microscope sessions, and guided laboratory tasks. Topics ranged from classical morphology and classification to modern techniques including microCT analyses, molecular genetics, ecological modelling, and industry applications of micropaleontology.
Key themes included the use of foraminifera as paleoenvironmental and paleoceanographic proxies, advances in biostratigraphic frameworks, and the interpretation of foraminiferal assemblages through geological time—from the Paleozoic to the Quaternary. Participants practiced identification of key taxa, reconstruction of paleoenvironments, and application of statistical and biostratigraphic tools relevant to both academic research and petroleum exploration.
The programme also featured an Icebreaker Party, an evening Foraminiferal Party with participant presentations, and a final Social Dinner and Graduation Ceremony, fostering an engaging and collaborative atmosphere. Overall, the 16th International School on Foraminifera provided an exceptional educational experience, combining rigorous scientific training with opportunities for networking and professional development. The event successfully prepared early-career researchers and industry professionals to apply foraminiferal analysis in both academic and applied contexts.
I am grateful to GSGS for providing the funding that made it possible for me to attend the Urbino Summer School.
Sheetal Samal
PhD student
Institute of Geology and Mineralogy
PhD project: “Land-ocean coupling as driver of Atacama palaeoclimate”