The objective of this publication is to collect and disseminate the proceedings of the first edition of the DIAnet International School which was held in Gorizia, Italy, between 13th and 22nd April 2013. The core is made up by the works produced by the participants in the School that are basically project proposals along the lines of the Danube:Future project, which is closely related to the DIAnet International School as the following paragraphs will try to explain. Before and around the School participants’ efforts and results, are the contribution and involvement of many people and institutions, on which this introduction wants to shed a light, thus defining the perspective and context within which the DIAnet International School has been conceived and shaped, and the scope and objectives that drive and direct its developmen