MicrobEco is pleased to present the Training school entitled ‘Regulation of Culture Collections, strain preparation and characterisation’ which is part of the European COST Action ParAqua and will be held in Verbania, Pallanza (Italy) and online from 12/05/2025 to 14/05/2025. ParAqua COST Action ParAqua is a European COST Action whose main aim and objective is the organisation and coordination of an innovative and dynamic network linking academia, industry and water management authorities to advance and apply knowledge and expertise on zoosporic parasites (i.e. aquatic fungi and fungi-like microorganisms) and their relationship with their hosts in natural ecosystems and industrial production of algal biotechnologies.

The training school aims to provide a broad but specific overview of methods dedicated to the preservation of microorganisms and the possibilities offered by existing culture collections (CC) in European networks and research infrastructures. Therefore, the training school aims to offer a multidisciplinary look at the topic, approaching it from different perspectives, including scientific and administrative challenges. For more information, please follow the link: https://paraqua-cost.eu/news/mc-network-meeting-culture-training-school/. Application are closed and invitations throught e-cost platform have been sent.

The local communities are really active and ready to welcome you. The flyer with suggestions can be found here.

Verbania
Verbania is a charming town set on the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. Renowned for its lush botanical gardens, historical villas, and breathtaking lake views framed by the Alps, Verbania offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its elegant promenade, vibrant local markets, and artistic traditions make it a favorite destination for both leisure and research.

CNR IRSA
CNR IRSA is a research institute of the Italian National Research Council located in Verbania. Specializing in the study of aquatic ecosystems, microbiology, and environmental sustainability, CNR IRSA plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge in water-related research. The institute collaborates with academic and industry partners to develop innovative solutions for the preservation of aquatic biodiversity and the sustainable management of natural resources.

How to Reach Verbania

The Institute (CNR IRSA) is located in Verbania-Pallanza. You will likely need a combination of different transportation methods: plane, train, and bus.

OPTION 1. Closest Airport: Milan Malpensa (MPX)

The closest airport is the Malpensa International Airport of Milan (MPX - 55 km South). From Malpensa, to reach Verbania:

• Take a SAF ALIBUS. They run approximately every 2-3 hours, and the journey to Verbania Pallanza takes about 1 hour. Online reservation is required (select the Malpensa Terminal and PIAZZA Gramsci as the destination STOP in Verbania Pallanza).
• Comazzi offers another private coach service from Malpensa, but it typically only goes as far as Gravellona Toce, which is about 15 minutes by car from Verbania.
• Alternatively, note that from Milan Malpensa, there is NO direct train to Verbania. You would have to first travel either by train to Milan (approx. 40 minutes) or by bus to Gallarate (approx. 15 minutes), and then catch a train connection to Verbania from there.

OPTION 2. Other Italian Airports: Linate (LIN) or Bergamo (BGX/BGY)

Other possible airports include Milan Linate (110 km, LIN) or Bergamo Orio al Serio (145 km, BGY - often referred to as Milan Bergamo).

From Linate or Bergamo Airport, you would typically take local transportation (city bus, airport coach) to Milano Centrale Train Station. From Milano Centrale, catch a train towards Verbania-Fondotoce. Upon arrival at the Verbania station, you would then need to take the VCO Trasporti local bus to reach Pallanza (see final section).

OPTION 3. Swiss Airports: Basel, Geneva, or Zurich

You can also consider flying into Basel (BSL), Geneva (GVA), or Zurich (ZRH) airports in Switzerland. From these airports, you can take the train system towards Italy, connecting to a train that stops at Verbania-Fondotoce.

TRAIN and TRAIN STATION

Verbania's train station is officially named Verbania-Fondotoce. It is located on the important Simplon Railway Line, which connects Milan (Italy) with Brig (Switzerland) and onwards towards Geneva, Basel, and Zurich. Direct fast trains (EuroCity) from cities in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands often travel through the Simplon route towards Milan and may stop at Verbania-Fondotoce or the nearby town of Stresa.

Regional and Intercity trains from Milan Centrale and Milan Porta Garibaldi stations run towards Verbania or Stresa approximately every hour during daytime. Timetables and tickets can be found and purchased online:

• www.trenitalia.it (Italian Railways)
• www.sbb.ch (Swiss Railways)
• Or check the websites of the French (SNCF) and German (DB) railway companies if traveling from those countries.

If your train stops in Stresa instead of Verbania-Fondotoce, you can reach Verbania-Pallanza from Stresa using either a coach service operated by the SAF company or by taking a scenic boat trip across Lake Maggiore.

FROM THE VERBANIA TRAIN STATION TO THE INSTITUTE (CNR IRSA)

If you arrive by train at Verbania-Fondotoce station, the most common way to reach the center of Pallanza (where the Institute is located) is by local bus. Look for the VCO TRASPORTI bus service, specifically the route connecting Omegna and Verbania.

You can usually buy bus tickets at the newsstand/bar inside the Verbania train station or sometimes directly from the bus driver (it's best to have small change if paying on board).

The closest bus stop to the Institute is generally Piazza Gramsci - Verbania Pallanza. It's recommended to inform the bus driver you need to get off near the Institute (CNR IRSA), and they can often point you in the right direction.

List of Hotels near IRSA:

Hotel	Distance from CNR-IRSA	Stars	Website
Hotel Aquadolce	2 min walk	3*	Visit
Europalace Hotel	3 min walk	3*	Visit
Hotel Boutique Pallanza	4 min walk	4*	Visit
Hotel San Gottardo	5 min walk	3*	Visit
Hotel Novara	7 min walk	3*	Visit
La Pallanzotta	12 min walk		Visit
Hotel Pesce D’Oro	13 min walk	3*	Visit
Albergo Villa Azalea	17 min walk	2*	Visit
Albergo Beata Giovannina	22 min walk	1*	Visit
Ostello Verbania	About 20 min walk	Hostel	Visit

*The hostel seems very close to the institute but it is rather uphill to reach. Please only book this place if you don’t mind walking up and down a hill every day.