Call for Special Session and Workshop Proposals
The SEFS15 Organising Committee invites proposals for Special Sessions and Workshops for the 15th Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences (SEFS15), taking place 5–9 July 2027 in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

SEFS15 will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working across all areas of freshwater science. The conference theme, "Water Connects", highlights the fundamental role of freshwater in linking ecosystems, societies, and policy.

As 2027 marks the next implementation cycle of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), SEFS15 will dedicate an entire conference day to the Directive, focusing on progress to date, its scientific foundations, and future challenges and opportunities for freshwater monitoring and management across Europe.

We encourage proposals that reflect the conference theme and showcase innovative, interdisciplinary, and policy-relevant freshwater research.

Special Sessions provide an opportunity to showcase advances in established or emerging areas of freshwater sciences. They should bring together high-quality contributions that stimulate scientific discussion and advance understanding of a specific topic.

Workshops are intended to promote the exchange of knowledge and skills through interactive formats such as hands-on training, demonstrations, collaborative exercises, and discussion. Workshops should actively engage participants and deliver clear learning outcomes.

Water Framework Directive (WFD) Theme
When submitting a proposal, organisers will be asked to indicate whether their Special Session or Workshop falls within the scope of the Water Framework Directive thematic day.

We particularly welcome proposals addressing topics such as:

• Policy-relevant freshwater science

• Water Framework Directive implementation and evaluation

• Monitoring and assessment methods

• Restoration and management approaches

• Interdisciplinary research supporting freshwater policy and practice

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Responsibilities of Special Session Organisers
Organisers of accepted Special Sessions will be expected to:

• Promote the session within the freshwater science community.

• Review and evaluate abstracts submitted to the session.

• Recommend the presentation format (oral or poster) for accepted contributions.

• Provide recommendations on accepted abstracts to the SEFS15 Scientific Committee.

• Develop a coherent, high-quality scientific programme.

• Encourage broad and inclusive participation in line with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles.

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Responsibilities of Workshop Organisers
Organisers of accepted Workshops will be expected to:

• Define clear learning objectives and expected outcomes.

• Design an interactive programme that actively engages participants.

• Coordinate all workshop activities, speakers, trainers, and facilitators.

• Provide participants with any necessary materials and resources.

• Ensure the workshop can be delivered within the available logistical and technical resources.

• Communicate any logistical or technical requirements to the conference organisers.

• Ensure the workshop fits within the allocated time (maximum three hours).

• Submit a final workshop description and programme outline for review by the SEFS15 Scientific Committee.