FEFLOW
Introduction and advanced topics

Course Overview

This instructor-lead, hands-on course provides you with comprehensive training in groundwater modelling using FEFLOW. The course consists of an introductory and an advanced part. The introductory part covers the necessary information and examples to work with flow and mass transport models directly after the course participation. The advanced part aims at providing you with the skills for dedicated modelling topics. A FEFLOW trainer will guide you through the exercises step-by-step.

FEFLOW is widely recognised as a comprehensive software package for subsurface flow and transport simulation. FEFLOW unique meshing capabilities (structured and unstructured) allows for the highest degree of flexibility to account in detail for the most simple to complex geometrical configurations. The software is used by leading research institutes, universities, consulting firms and government organisations all over the world.

FEFLOW’s scope of application ranges from simple local-scale to complex large-scale modelling. Application areas include water management, mine water, saltwater intrusion, geothermal energy, and variably saturated media.

Target group and prerequisites

This course is intended for groundwater professionals working in consulting companies, public authorities, universities and research institutions. Participants are expected to have a basic knowledge of groundwater modelling and general computer applications.

Course Details and Registration information

  • Speaker: Dr. Robin Marc Dufour (Managing Director, DHI)
  • Date: June 29 – July 3, 2026 (5 days, 9:00-16:30)
  • Location: University of Neuchâtel, Room tbd
  • Cost:
    • WES PhD School members: no fee
    • Others (please contact School.Earth-Water@unine.ch for confirmation):
      • Academic participants: 100 CHF per day
      • Industrial, government, etc.: 250 CHF per day
  • Registration:
    • Please fill in the REGISTRATION FORM before June 15th, 2026
    • Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Course topics

Introductory session (day 1 – day 3)

  • What’s new in FEFLOW 11
  • Introduction to FEFLOW and its graphical user interface
  • Creating 2D and 3D mesh geometries (structured and unstructured meshes)
  • FEFLOW’s interface with geological software
  • Setting up flow models with confined and unconfined aquifers
  • Setting up mass-transport models and groundwater-age models
  • Setting up steady-state and transient models
  • Usage of GIS/CAD data maps and other formats
  • Results evaluation, visualisation and animation

Advanced session (day 4 & day 5)

  • Unsaturated flow modelling
  • Density-dependent flow modelling
  • Heat transport, including geothermal energy systems (closed/open-loop)
  • Fractures and discrete features
  • Multicomponent transport and chemical reactions
  • Introduction to the FEFLOW programming interface and Python scripting
  • Introduction to automatic model calibration with FePEST
  • Hands-on exercises

Included in your training

  • Full access to FEFLOW software during course
  • Training material
  • Training Certificate upon completion of course
  • Lunch and coffee breaks

About the Presenter

Dr Robin Marc Dufour is Vice President for Mining & Groundwater at DHI and a
recognized expert in hydrogeological modelling with FEFLOW. He has extensive experience in groundwater flow as well as mass and heat transport, with a strong focus on regional groundwater management, mining and geothermal applications.

Dr Dufour combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise and is actively involved in advanced numerical modelling and decision support for international projects. He has long-standing experience delivering FEFLOW training courses and technical workshops for professional audiences worldwide,
supporting participants in English, French and Spanish.

How to Get There

The UniMail building is part of the Faculté des Sciences at the University of Neuchâtel. The address is Rue Emile-Argand 11, 2000 Neuchâtel. The building’s opening hours can be found here.

To reach the building from the Neuchâtel train station (Gare Nord), take bus line 107 and get off at the Portes Rouges stop. From there, cross the bridge, and you’ll find the UniMail building. Alternatively, you can walk directly from the train station via Esplanade de l’Europe, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

Download the course flyer