Many river systems have been heavily channelized and regulated in the past, leading to a high linearity and homogeneity in flow conditions as well as in bed morphology. Renaturalization projects of previously channelized river reaches aim at recreating some controlled degrees of natural river dynamics. However, effective implementation of these measures requires a good knowledge on hydrodynamic, morphodynamic, and ecological processes occurring in meandering channels. Specifically, the mutual interactions between the physical and biological components of the ecosystem represent a main challenge for projects aiming to increase stream biodiversity. Recent research projects handling both physics and biology in river bends have demonstrated the importance of cross-disciplinary research.

The EUROMECH Colloquium 523 aims to bring together scientists and engineers with a strong interest in en vironmental flows, river morphodynamics and aquatic ecology. The sessions will be organized around the topics:

• Drift, distribution and biodiversity of invertebrates related to hydraulic stress
• Influence of hydraulic conditions on food web structure
• Fish behaviour in relation to flow and fluvial morphology
• Vegetation development and interactions with flow
• Sediment transport, morphodynamic processes and dispersion
• Eco-engineering