LONG-TERM ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH: Contributions, Challenges and Future Perspectives
14–17 October 2026, Varna, Bulgaria
20 years LTER-Bulgaria as part of eLTER
LONG-TERM ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH: Contributions, Challenges and Future Perspectives
14–17 October 2026, Varna, Bulgaria
20 years LTER-Bulgaria as part of eLTER
About THE CONFERENCE
Join us in Varna, 14–17 October 2026, for the LTER-BG International Scientific Conference 2026 that will bring together scientists, environmental experts, practitioners, decision- and policy-makers, stakeholders, and LTER site and platform coordinators and team members. Basing on the whole system approach characteristic for the Integrated European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological Research Infrastructure (eLTER RI), the conference aims to share findings, explore challenges to the future of long-term ecosystem research, as well as to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and strengthen the science–policy–society interface.
The conference will provide a platform to reflect on past achievements, discuss current challenges, and explore future perspectives for long-term ecosystem research in the context of global environmental change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability transitions. Contributions addressing terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, critical zone, and socio-ecological systems are welcome. Particular emphasis will be placed on studies that leverage long-term data to examine ecosystem dynamics, resilience, and responses to environmental change.
The conference is organised by the Bulgarian Long-Term Ecosystem Research network (LTER-BG), which celebrates 20 years of coordinated long-term ecosystem observation and research, with the support of eLTER RI and Pensoft Publishers.
LTER-BG receives funding from the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure, coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria.
CONFERENCE TOPICS
1. Monitoring and Understanding Ecosystem Dynamics
Long-term evidence of ecosystem change, resilience, and functioning under changing climate. Standardized observations, whole-system research and monitoring of pressures.
2. Ecosystem Services and Stakeholder Engagement in Long-Term Ecological Research: What We Lose When We Win
Trade-offs, synergies, and socio-ecological implications of ecosystem use. Co-creating knowledge, building trust, and linking science with decision-making.
3. Ecosystem Restoration and Nature-Based Solutions
From degraded landscapes to resilient futures: scientific foundations and practical pathways to alleviate biodiversity loss.
4. Emerging Technologies in Ecosystem Research, Data Management, and Open Science in eLTER
Remote sensing, sensors, AI, semantics, and other innovative tools. Standards, FAIR principles, interoperability, and the future of ecological data infrastructure
SPEAKERS
LTER-BG INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE 2026
LTER-BG INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE 2026
You have an opportunity to meet leading researchers and scientists, explore a wide range of ecosystem research topics, and be part of a landmark scientific event — 20 years of LTER-Bulgaria as part of eLTER
- Dr. Michael Mirtl - PLENARY SPEAKEReLTER Head Office Director at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, GermanyDr. Michael Mirtl is an ecologist and environmental engineer, did his PhD thesis on the influence of floodplain forests water regimes on tree photosynthesis and completed training in plant physiology, biometrics, micro-meteorology and soil science at the University of Vienna, University of Agricultural Sciences (BOKU) and Technical University of Vienna. Dr. Mirtl is leading the implementation of the “Integrated European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone & socio-ecological Research Infrastructure” (eLTER RI) on behalf of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ in Germany and in the context of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). He is coordinator of the eLTER Preparatory Phase Project, chairman of LTER-Europe, and Chair of the ILTER ICC (International Long-Term Ecological Research International Collaborations Committee). Until 2017, Dr. Mirtl was head of the Department for Ecosystem Research & Environmental Information Management of Environment Agency Austria and coordinated the Austrian contribution to the UNECE ICP on Integrated Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Ecosystems, which includes assessment of critical loads and dynamic modelling at long-term observation sites. He has strong experience in developing concepts and management of research projects and coordinated about 50 projects in the field of deposition chemistry, karst hydrology, soil chemistry, remote sensing, bio-indicators and biodiversity monitoring. Dr. Mirtl did the design, logistics and QA/QC of Long-term Ecosystem Research & Monitoring Platforms, was leading expert in the development of MORIS (object-relational IS for ecosystem research data) and was co-founder of the Austrian LTER-Network (Chair of LTER-Austria since 2008) and the LTSER Platform “Eisenwurzen”. He is specialized in analysis of ecosystem research data, development of ontologies and semantic mediation and does conceptual work on the integration of ecological and socio-economic research in LTSER since 2003, including scaling issues and ecosystem services. Since 2019 he formally represents eLTER as partner in the Global Ecosystem Research Infrastructure (GERI).
- Dr. Steffen Zacharias
KEYNOTE SPEAKERUFZ Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, GermanyDr. Zacharias is a soil hydrologist and, since 2007, а senior scientist at the UFZ Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Germany. He leads a working group on soil research at the UFZ and is coordinator of the TERENO observatory Harz/Central German Lowland. Dr. Zacharias has many years of experience in international science affairs with a specific focus on the soil-water nexus and contribution to large EU FP7 and Horizon 2020 projects dedicated to integrated environmental research, monitoring and exploration.
Tentative title: Steffen Zacharias et al. Achieving harmonized and integrated long‐term environmental observation of essential ecosystem variables – The eLTER framework of standard observations - Prof. Jaana Bäck
KEYNOTE SPEAKERUniversity of Helsinki (UHEL), Institute for Atmosphere and Earth System Research INARProf. Bäck is а professor in Forest-Atmosphere interactions, working on biogeochemical cycles and terrestrial ecology linked to climate change in boreal regions. She received her PhD in Physiological plant ecology from the University of Oulu, Finland in 1994. Her expertise is in forest management, ecosystem-climate feedbacks and ecosystem services. She has been involved in the development of national, European and global research infrastructures for integrated, long-term observations of Earth Systems, in particular eLTER RI. Prof Bäck is author of >140 peer review papers in journals and books and a member of the Finnish IPBES panel. She is a member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters and Academician in the International Academy of Eurasian Studies (IAES) and has been awarded with the Pro Scientia and Open Science Awards and granted a decoration for Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland.
Tentative title: Bäck et al. Beyond 30 years comprehensive observations on forest ecosystem functioning in changing climate - Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Nikolaidis
KEYNOTE SPEAKERSchool of Environmental Engineering and has served as the Deputy Rector for Financial Planning and Development of TUC; Director of HersLab.Prior to joining TUC, Prof. Nikolaidis was a professor and director of the Environmental Engineering Program at the University of Connecticut, USA. His areas of expertise include: Watershed Scale Studies and Modelling, Heavy Metal Site Assessment and Remediation, and Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Development. He is using a "holistic" approach in solving environmental problems by conducting field studies, laboratory experimentation and mathematical modelling. Prof. Nikolaidis has over 300 peer-reviewed journal papers, conference proceedings, books and book chapters, more than 9700 citations and an h-index of 56.
Tentative title: Socio-techno-ecological approaches for strategic planning to address desertification in the Mediterranean – Case studies from Greece and the Middle East - Prof. Dr. Katalin Török
KEYNOTE SPEAKERSenior research professor at HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Restoration Ecology Group, HungaryProf. Török graduated as a biologist, specialized in vegetation science and worked as a field botanist, ecologist for four decades. She has led multiple research projects regarding the restoration of degraded dry grasslands in the Pannon region. She has been a member of the Hungarian LTER team since the early phase, dating back to 1995, and is still one of the engines of the national process for extending the network and improving the visibility of the results of eLTER at a European scale. Prof. Török has initiated the development of the idea of building a Restoration Topic Centre within the eLTER Research Infrastructure. Prof. Török has been a member of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel of IPBES for two cycles. Presently, she is coordinating the ecosystem service assessment and green infrastructure development at her institute in the frame of a national, multisector project.
Tentative title: How can eLTER site experiments help to overcome some challenges in ecosystem restoration? - Prof. Dr. Miglena Zhiyanski
KEYNOTE SPEAKERProf. Zhiyanski is head of the Forest Ecology Department at the Forest Research Institute - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and a recognized expert in forest ecology, soil science, ecosystem restoration, and long-term monitoring. Her research focuses on understanding ecosystem processes and resilience, and on translating scientific knowledge into policy-relevant frameworks. Actively engaged in European initiatives such as MAES and SEEA-EA, in long-term ecosystem research (LTER, ICP Forests), and in policy-oriented projects including forestry sector reform in RNM, she contributes to the implementation of ecosystem restoration and environmental policies. Her work also addresses critical loads and ecosystem sensitivity to environmental pressures, advancing monitoring as a cornerstone for effective, evidence-based environmental decision-making.
Tentative title: Restoration as a Process, Not a Product: Why Monitoring Defines Success - Dr. Tomáš Rebok
KEYNOTE SPEAKERSenior researcher at the Institute of Computer Science, Masaryk University, head of Tom Rebok’s Research GroupDr. Rebok focuses on digital infrastructures and services for data management, automated processing, and scientific analysis. He has extensive experience with large scientific infrastructures for computing and data processing, including the Czech national e-infrastructure e-INFRA CZ. His work is strongly interdisciplinary, connecting IT experts with domain specialists, particularly in environmental sciences. In close cooperation with the Czech environmental research community, he is actively involved in the research and development of digital solutions supporting the management, integration, automated processing, analysis, and reuse of environmental data. He is the architect of the eLTER CyberInfrastructure and leads its core development team, contributing to the digital foundations of the emerging European long-term ecosystem research infrastructure. He also heads the selected eLTER Topic Centre for Data Management of the emerging eLTER ERIC.
Tentative title: Emerging Technologies in Ecosystem Research, Data Management and Open Science in eLTER - Prof. Dr. Daniel Orenstein
PANELISTFull Professor in the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning at the Technion – Israel Institute of TechnologyProf. Orenstein is working at the intersection of environmental policy, landscape planning, and socio-ecological systems. His research focuses on how people perceive, value, and shape ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on cultural ecosystem services and their implications for planning and policy. Prof. Orenstein has been deeply involved in the development of the European and international LTER networks for over a decade, contributing to the conceptual and institutional evolution from ecological to socio-ecological research, including work on impact assessment, ethics, and transdisciplinary collaboration. His work spans from local case studies in Israel to international comparative research, with the broader aim of strengthening the role of science in sustainability transitions.
SPECIAL SESSIONS
15.10. 2026
Half day
3.5–4 hours
Half day
3.5–4 hours
Special session 1
The Special Session aims to bring together representatives of research infrastructures and networks of long term ecological research, environmental observation, biodiversity, climate, and data infrastructures to exchange experiences, identify synergies, and explore opportunities for future collaboration at national, regional, and European levels.
Session title:
Enhancing collaboration among European environmental research infrastructures. Building bridges among long-term research and monitoring RI and networks
Objectives of the Special session
• A Collaboration Roadmap highlighting shared priorities and actionable initiatives
• A network of contacts for ongoing coordination
• Identification of joint opportunities for research, innovation, and policy support
Target audience
• RI coordinators and scientific leaders
• Ecosystem, biodiversity, and climate researchers
• Data and digital infrastructure experts
• EU policy stakeholders and research funding bodies
Significance
This session will contribute to strengthening the European research landscape, promoting integration, efficiency, and policy relevance, while enhancing the impact of environmental RIs on science and society. This approach ensures active participation, knowledge exchange, and the co-creation of tangible outcomes.
Preliminary half-day Programme
Duration: 15.10. 2026 - Half day (approx. 3.5–4 hours)
Proposed Structure:
1. Opening and Introduction (10 min)
Short presentations (10 min each) by invited RI and networks, addressing:
3. Thematic Discussion Panels (60 min)
Further logistical details (date, venue, list of RI and network confirmed participation and format and programme detailed) will be provided in due course.
Session title:
Enhancing collaboration among European environmental research infrastructures. Building bridges among long-term research and monitoring RI and networks
Objectives of the Special session
- To present the scope, priorities, and activities of participating research and monitoring RI and networks
- To identify complementarities and synergies among long-term observation and research initiatives
- To discuss data interoperability, harmonization, and shared standards
- To explore joint research, infrastructure, and funding opportunities
- To strengthen regional and European collaboration frameworks (e.g. eLTER, ICP, Life Watch, AnaEE, ESENIAS, Danubius, EuroArgo, ESP…..)
• A Collaboration Roadmap highlighting shared priorities and actionable initiatives
• A network of contacts for ongoing coordination
• Identification of joint opportunities for research, innovation, and policy support
Target audience
• RI coordinators and scientific leaders
• Ecosystem, biodiversity, and climate researchers
• Data and digital infrastructure experts
• EU policy stakeholders and research funding bodies
Significance
This session will contribute to strengthening the European research landscape, promoting integration, efficiency, and policy relevance, while enhancing the impact of environmental RIs on science and society. This approach ensures active participation, knowledge exchange, and the co-creation of tangible outcomes.
Preliminary half-day Programme
Duration: 15.10. 2026 - Half day (approx. 3.5–4 hours)
Proposed Structure:
1. Opening and Introduction (10 min)
- Welcome and objectives of the Special Session
- Overview of Bulgarian LTER and its role in RI and international networks
Short presentations (10 min each) by invited RI and networks, addressing:
- Mission and scope
- Key activities and infrastructures
- Opportunities for collaboration
3. Thematic Discussion Panels (60 min)
- Co-location of the site-based RI and networks
- Data and interoperability
- Joint research and monitoring priorities
- Joint publications
- Science–policy–society interfaces
- Future collaboration pathways
- Joint initiatives, projects, and funding opportunities
- Next steps and coordination mechanisms
- Collaboration Roadmap
- Key messages
- Agreement on follow-up actions
Further logistical details (date, venue, list of RI and network confirmed participation and format and programme detailed) will be provided in due course.
15.10. 2026
3 hours
3 hours
Special session 2
As part of the program, we are planning a dedicated Early Career & Friends (EC&F) session focused on generational change issues. The topic builds on discussions that began in Athens and will explore how senior scientists within eLTER can actively recruit, support, and empower the next generation of researchers to use, manage, and ultimately sustain the eLTER network in the long term.
Session title: Rethinking generational change in Long-Term Ecological Research: from mentorship to partnership.
The session will begin with a panel discussion that will bring together experienced scientists as well as early-career researchers to talk about generational change issues. The intention is not only to identify challenges, but also to develop a strategy with practical steps forward for strengthening generational transitions within long-term ecological research.
We are honored to welcome Daniel Orenstein as a special participant in the panel discussion. Prof. Dr. Daniel Orenstein is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, working at the intersection of environmental policy, landscape planning, and socio-ecological systems. His research focuses on how people perceive, value, and shape ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on cultural ecosystem services and their implications for planning and policy. Orenstein has been deeply involved in the development of the European and international LTER networks for over a decade, contributing to the conceptual and institutional evolution from ecological to socio-ecological research, including work on impact assessment, ethics, and transdisciplinary collaboration. His work spans local case studies in Israel to international comparative research, with the broader aim of strengthening the role of science in sustainability transitions.
The second part of the session will feature presentations by three outstanding speakers, offering practical insights and valuable guidance for navigating academic careers:
Dr. Hristina Prodanova, Managing Editor, Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society, will discuss the scientific publication process, sharing advice on finding inspiration, developing strong research ideas, and turning them into successful publications.
Dr. Vassia Atanassova, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, will present What Papers Want: Cited, Counted, and Curated — exploring strategies for increasing the visibility, impact, and accessibility of scientific research.
Dr. Iglika Angelova, researcher, trainer of educational professionals and doctoral students, certified by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, and Managing Director of KAIT Ltd., will speak on the relationship between profession and personality in the context of well-being, with special attention to:
Whether you are an early-career researcher seeking practical advice or a senior scientist interested in shaping the future of the LTER community, this session offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and contribute to the next generation of long-term ecological research.
Session title: Rethinking generational change in Long-Term Ecological Research: from mentorship to partnership.
The session will begin with a panel discussion that will bring together experienced scientists as well as early-career researchers to talk about generational change issues. The intention is not only to identify challenges, but also to develop a strategy with practical steps forward for strengthening generational transitions within long-term ecological research.
We are honored to welcome Daniel Orenstein as a special participant in the panel discussion. Prof. Dr. Daniel Orenstein is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, working at the intersection of environmental policy, landscape planning, and socio-ecological systems. His research focuses on how people perceive, value, and shape ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on cultural ecosystem services and their implications for planning and policy. Orenstein has been deeply involved in the development of the European and international LTER networks for over a decade, contributing to the conceptual and institutional evolution from ecological to socio-ecological research, including work on impact assessment, ethics, and transdisciplinary collaboration. His work spans local case studies in Israel to international comparative research, with the broader aim of strengthening the role of science in sustainability transitions.
The second part of the session will feature presentations by three outstanding speakers, offering practical insights and valuable guidance for navigating academic careers:
Dr. Hristina Prodanova, Managing Editor, Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society, will discuss the scientific publication process, sharing advice on finding inspiration, developing strong research ideas, and turning them into successful publications.
Dr. Vassia Atanassova, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, will present What Papers Want: Cited, Counted, and Curated — exploring strategies for increasing the visibility, impact, and accessibility of scientific research.
Dr. Iglika Angelova, researcher, trainer of educational professionals and doctoral students, certified by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, and Managing Director of KAIT Ltd., will speak on the relationship between profession and personality in the context of well-being, with special attention to:
- Communication and presentation skills in the scientific field — the importance of effective and nonviolent communication for the successful dissemination of research results
- Motivational factors in research activity — strategies for sustaining research motivation through project-based work and interdisciplinary exchange
- Technological and social innovations — models for balancing technological advancement (STEM and robotics) with the development of emotional maturity and soft skills among young researchers
Whether you are an early-career researcher seeking practical advice or a senior scientist interested in shaping the future of the LTER community, this session offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and contribute to the next generation of long-term ecological research.
REGISTRATION OPENING DATE:
04 June 2026
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
15 July 2026
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION LINK AND AUTHORS INSTRUCTIONS
SUBMIT HERE
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
31 August 2026
04 June 2026
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
15 July 2026
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION LINK AND AUTHORS INSTRUCTIONS
SUBMIT HERE
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
31 August 2026
REGISTRATION FEE
Select your registration type and join us in Varna, 14–16 October 2026.
Full Registration
- 3 days conference (14–16 October)
- Lunch & coffee breaks
- Welcome Cocktail
- Certificate of participation
- DOI assignment for the submitted abstract
350 €
One-Day Registration
- 1 day of your choice
- Lunch & coffee break
- Certificate of participation
- DOI assignment for the submitted abstract
170 €
Young Scientist
- 3 days conference (14–16 October)
- Lunch & coffee breaks
- Welcome Cocktail
- Certificate of participation
- Special EC&F sessions
- DOI assignment for the submitted abstract
250 €
Additional option
Conference dinner on 15.10.2026
55 €
Additional option
Excursion on 17.10.2026
price TBD
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Please register for the conference by completing the form below.
After submitting your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with payment details within 24 hours.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME
SOCIAL PROGRAMME — 17 October 2026
Join us for a guided field excursion to one of Bulgaria's most remarkable natural sites. Choose your preferred destination during registration.
Black Sea Coast
A living laboratory of coastal biodiversity. Explore the unique dune systems, lagoons and marine habitats along Bulgaria's Black Sea shoreline — one of the key LTER-BG monitoring sites.
Srebarna Nature Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar wetland, Srebarna is home to over 220 bird species including the rare Dalmatian Pelican. This freshwater lake along the Danube is one of Bulgaria's most precious natural treasures.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
registration@lterbg26.eu | 20lter.bulgaria@gmail.com
eLTER Contact Information
For general enquiries and international
visibility
office@elter-ri.eu
For general enquiries and international
visibility
office@elter-ri.eu
Local Organising Committee / LTER-Bulgaria
For enquiries related to registration, logistics and event organisation
registration@lterbg26.eu
For enquiries related to registration, logistics and event organisation
registration@lterbg26.eu
