Call for Special Session and Workshop proposals for SEFS15 now open
21 July, 2026
The Organising Committee for the 15th Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences (SEFS15) is inviting proposals for Special Sessions and Workshops ahead of the conference, which will take place from 5-9 July 2027 in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Under the theme "Water connects", SEFS15 will bring together researchers, practitioners and policymakers from across the freshwater science community to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations and explore the latest developments in freshwater research and management.
The overarching theme of SEFS15 is “Water connects”, highlighting the fundamental role of freshwater in linking ecosystems, societies, and policy.
Water connects: 15th Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences
The conference theme reflects the fundamental role of freshwater in connecting ecosystems, societies and policy. As 2027 marks the next cycle of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), SEFS15 will also place a particular focus on the Directive by dedicating a full conference day to reviewing progress, examining its scientific foundations and discussing future opportunities and challenges for freshwater monitoring and management across Europe.
Call for Special Session and/or Workshop proposals
The Organising Committee warmly welcomes proposals for Special Sessions and Workshops across all areas of freshwater science, particularly those that reflect the conference theme and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
Special Sessions provide an opportunity to showcase advances in established or emerging areas of freshwater science, bringing together contributions that stimulate discussion and advance understanding of key research topics.
Workshops are intended to promote the exchange of knowledge and practical skills through interactive learning, demonstrations, collaborative activities and discussion.
When submitting a proposal, organisers are asked to indicate whether their session or workshop aligns with the dedicated Water Framework Directive thematic day. The Committee particularly welcomes proposals addressing policy-relevant science, implementation challenges, monitoring and assessment approaches, and interdisciplinary research related to the WFD.
Organisers of accepted Special Sessions will be expected to:
Promote their session within the freshwater science community
Review and evaluate submitted abstracts
Recommend whether accepted contributions should be presented as oral or poster presentations
Submit recommendations on accepted abstracts and presentation formats to the SEFS Scientific Committee
Help ensure the scientific quality and coherence of the final session programme
Promote inclusive participation in line with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles
Organisers of accepted Workshops will be expected to:
Define clear learning objectives and expected outcomes
Develop engaging activities, including discussions, practical exercises, demonstrations and collaborative problem-solving
Coordinate all workshop activities, speakers, trainers, and/or facilitators
Provide participants with relevant materials and resources
Ensure the workshop can be delivered using the available logistical and technical resources
Communicate any logistical or technical requirements to the conference organisers
Ensure that the workshop content and format are appropriate for the allocated time slot (3 hours maximum)
Submit a final workshop description and programme outline for review by the SEFS15 Scientific Committee
How to submit a proposal for SEFS15
Proposals should be submitted via the SEFS15 conference website by 16 September 2026.
The Organising Committee looks forward to receiving a wide range of proposals and working with the freshwater science community to develop an engaging, inclusive and scientifically diverse programme for SEFS15.
Join the SEFS15 mailing list
To stay informed about all the latest updates for SEFS15, join the mailing list by online.
SEFS15 look forward to seeing you from 5 to 9 July 2027 in Utrecht, the Netherlands!
Contact Information
For more information about SEFS15 please visit the website: sefs15.com.
