MERLIN Academy (final version) (09/2025)

Key messages

1. The MERLIN Academy offers a unique, practice- oriented online learning platform focused on freshwater and wetland restoration, combining scientific knowledge with real-world experience.
   
   
2. Its four key components – Learning Modules, Knowledge Centre, Webinars and Podcasts – provide modular, flexible and accessible training tailored to diverse stakeholder groups across Europe and beyond.
   
   
3. Developed under EU funding, the Academy is grounded in expert-led content and includes contributions from researchers, practitioners, and policy specialists involved in the MERLIN project.
   
   
4. Three Learning Modules have been fully launched, with more in development. Each module includes expert videos, quizzes, and further reading, leading to a MERLIN certificate upon completion.
   
   
5. The Knowledge Centre hosts over 220 resources, offering curated access to tools, publications and guidelines relevant to Nature-based Solutions and freshwater restoration practices.
   
   
6. Webinars and podcasts enrich the learning experience with insights from practitioners and scientists, while also ensuring outreach and visibility across broader audiences.
   
   
7. The Academy was designed to outlive the MERLIN project, with minimal maintenance needs, a scalable platform (Thinkific) and openness to future content from new projects or partners.
   
   
8. A sustainability plan has been developed, offering strategic and financial pathways for continuation, including monetisation via course fees and institutional partnerships.