Day 1 → Excursions, Social Activities, and the Welcoming Ceremony
July 7, 2026
Day 3 → Marja Spierenburg, posters and sessions.. and more posters!
July 9, 2026
ECCB ‘26 is underway!
In the morning, the first keynote speaker, Nathalie Pettorelli of the Institute of Zoology at the Zoological Society of London, called for a step back from the idea that nature is to be controlled, but pushed for steps forward by higher education institutions, as shared:
“Universities must protect and celebrate our academic teaching, adapt teaching and development plans, embed training into political ecology, ensure diversity in staff and students, and most importantly, safeguard our data. Science is not apolitical. We need to develop plans together, not only within our own spaces and communities.”
Over 70 posters were presented during the morning session, covering topics:
- Conservation in agricultural lands (Ecosystem types)
- Conservation of freshwater habitats (Ecosystem types)
- Forest conservation and old-growth woods (Ecosystem types)
- Habitat modifications (Threats)
- Marine life conservation and fisheries (Ecosystem types)
- Mountain conservation (Ecosystem types)
- Urban ecology and greening (Ecosystem types)
Throughout the lunch break, SCB Europe held two meetings for the Policy Committee and DEIJ Committee, two groups that have played a vital role in organizing the congress.
Stephen Venn, Chair of the Policy Committee,
“One of our objectives is to make sure that the collaboration gap between scientists and other spheres of society, such as policy-makers decreases. We want to bring multidisciplinary approaches together. By inviting policy-makers to join a space often dominated by natural scientists, we facilitate those conversations. As the policy committee, we work to strengthen the exchange with the public and decision makers without compromising the scientific rigor of an academic society.”
Lisa Tedeschi, Member of the DEIJ Committee,
“The DEIJ committee has been around for a few years, and it is something that is close to every member’s hearts. This year at ECCB ‘26, we have introduced lanyards for participants with hidden disabilities and period products in the restrooms. We are always looking to improve spaces to make them more inclusive and learning how best to welcome all participants to future SCB Europe activities.”
After an afternoon filled with orals, workshops, and symposia, the 2nd day ended with a speed-mentoring event and movie night!
