Extended deadline first call: November 15th
October 30, 2025
With its many institutions dedicated to understanding, preserving, and strengthening biodiversity, and as one of Europe’s ten BiodiverCities, knowledge about biodiversity flourishes in Leiden and inspires people to learn, collaborate, and take action. The 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB) will add a new chapter to this long and unique story.
Leiden’s legacy in conservation biology is deeply rooted in its history and continues to flourish through its various active institutions and vibrant community. The city is home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, which plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of ecosystems and contributing to sustainable solutions.
The Hortus botanicus, founded in 1590, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe and has played a pivotal role in botanical research and plant conservation. All participants will have free entrance for one day. At Naturalis, researchers work on describing, monitoring, and understanding biodiversity – fundamental to the protection of both the Earth’s natural richness and ourselves. The Leiden Biodiversity Network – uniting experts from fields such as biology, ecology, history, and law, and co-funded by the municipality – exemplifies the city’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
Core theme: Effective biodiversity conservation
In this rich environment, ECCB 2026 aims to inspire and connect participants to further advance research and collaboration. Not only will this congress present exciting scientific research, but it will also showcase successful collaborations and build bridges between different stakeholders and disciplines. Only by transcending the boundaries of sectors and disciplines will we be able to find answers to today’s complex challenges and to our key question: “How can biodiversity be safeguarded effectively in the long term?”
The organising partners of the Local Organising Committee provide many interesting options for excursions, all within easy reach thanks to the country’s small scale. Participants can benefit from valuable experiences ‘on the ground’ and will discover practical solutions for biodiversity conservation and collaboration. The compact size of the city makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, with something new to discover around every corner.
We are very much looking forward to seeing you in Leiden!
