The 3rd edition of the M.S. Yalin Memorial Colloquium (YMC2023) was held in Palermo, Italy, from January 26 to 27, 2023.

The YMC2023 was organized by University of Palermo, Italy, (Chair of Organizing Committee: Prof. Donatella Termini), under the auspices of the Fluvial Hydraulics Committee of IAHR (International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research) (https://www.iahr.org/).  

M.S. Yalin Memorial Colloquium (YMC) is a two-annual appointment organized in honor and in memory of M.S. Yalin, Professor Emeritus of Queen's University - Kingston- Ontario (CANADA), who passed away on March 19, 2007. Unlike standard large conferences, YMC is focused on specific topics with the participation of a limited number of attendees to constitute a sound opportunity for scientists and young researchers to discuss and to exchange new ideas. 

After the 1st edition “YMC2013: Fluvial Eco-Hydraulics and Morphodynamics: new insigths and challenges2 (28-29 November 2013, Palermo, Italy) and the 2nd edition “YMC2015: Connections between fluvial and coastal systems and influence of climate changes” (19-20 November 2015, Palermo, Italy), the COVID-19 determined continuous shifts in the organization of the M.S. Yalin Memorial Colloquium with attendance in-person. 

This 3rd edition “YMC2023: Flow-sediment-biota Interactions in Fluvial system: recent research trends” focused on the interaction processes between water-biota-sediment triad and the complex phenomena involving turbulence, deposition and erosion processes, mixing and diffusion of substances and nutrients, flora and fauna influences. The program included seven regular sessions enriched by two keynote lectures related, respectively, on the role of eco-hydraulics in water management and on mechanics of dam breaching, and a general lecture on unsteady sediment transport process. Social interactions and networking opportunities were also held during the social dinner and the excursion in the historical Palermo’s city center with visit to Massimo Theatre. 

After the review process, 32 abstracts were accepted according to the following sessions:

Theme 1. Sediment transport and structure interaction

Theme 2. Flow discharge and morphodynamics

Theme 3. Influence of vegetation

Theme 4. Hydrodynamics and Turbulence

Theme 5. Hydrodynamics and biota interactions

Theme 6. Mixing, dispersion and biota

Theme 7. Anthropic action and flow interaction

The Colloquium was very successful in achieving the aim in a very-friendly environment.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, a sincere thanks goes out to the speakers and delegates for the enthusiastic participation, the interesting contributions and fruitful discussion, to the members of the different Committees involved in the organization, to the Chairs of Sessions, to the IAHR Technical Committees, to the local administrative staff members as well as to the technicians and volunteers involved.

Prof. Donatella Termini

Organizing Chair

University of Palermo, Italy