Joint ESENIAS and DIAS Scientific Conference 2025 and

14^th ESENIAS Workshop

Invasive alien species in a changing climate: challenges for ecosystem resilience

30 September – 03 October November 2025

Bucharest, Romania

Organised and supported by:

University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV)

Romanian Society of Horticulturists

Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research,

Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBER-BAS), Bulgaria

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Forestry, Bulgaria

Faculty of Agriculture, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ), Türkiye

East and South European Network for Invasive Alien Species (ESENIAS)

Danube Region Invasive Alien Species Network (DIAS)

International Association for Danube Research (IAD)

EWRS Invasive Alien Plants Working Group

In the context of increasing environmental pressures and climatic challenges, invasive alien species (IAS) represent a critical threat to ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, and socio-economic stability. The Joint ESENIAS and DIAS Scientific Conference 2025, held under the theme 'Invasive alien species in a changing climate: challenges for ecosystem resilience', provides a collaborative platform for scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders from across the region. The event emphasises the importance of fostering stronger regional cooperation, expanding our scientific community, and enhancing collaborative initiatives to address IAS challenges effectively. It invites participants to explore innovative approaches and strategies for IAS management, aiming for integrated regional solutions and improved ecosystem resilience.

This conference is the seventh one organised jointly in frames of the networks ESENIAS and DIAS, focusing on the topic: “Invasive alien species in a changing climate: Challenges for ecosystem resilience”. It will highlight the importance of regional cooperation for finding innovative solutions to IAS issues.

The conference aims at:

• Present and discuss ongoing ESENIAS and DIAS project results and achievements
• Facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices from regional IAS initiatives, including risk assessments, early detection, monitoring, containment and control strategies, citizen science, and data management
• Develop and propose innovative, practical solutions for IAS research and management tailored to the unique challenges of our region
• Strengthening regional and cross-border collaboration among the ESENIAS and DIAS networks, encouraging partnerships and joint actions with other international organisations, institutions, and projects.

Scientific Topics

1. Invasive alien species traits and trends – invasive alien species introduction and spread, biological and ecological traits; characteristics of recipient environment; invasive alien species and climate change; viruses, bacteria and other small organisms as IAS
2. Vectors and pathways for invasive alien species introductions and spread – analysis, prioritization, action plans
3. The Danube River as invasive alien species corridor – priority species for the Danube Region, impact on threatened species, specificity of biological invasions in the Lower, Middle and Upper Danube River sections, Joint Danube Survey 5 (JDS5) and IAS
4. Invasive alien species impact – impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services, impact on human health, safety and the economy; pests and pathogens; adverse impact on protected areas, endangered species and habitats
5. Invasive alien species prevention and management – early detection and rapid eradication, surveillance systems;risk assessment and horizon scanning; control and containment measures; restoration of damaged ecosystems; education, citizen science, strategies, policy and legislation
6. Management and sharing of IAS data – IAS networks and information systems, databases, data planning and management
7. Other topics – general aspects related to the quality of the aquatic and terrestrial environments and associated biological communities, which may influence the introduction and spread of IAS, as well as the application of prevention and management measures, forest fires and IAS.

Important Information

The official language of the conference will be English.

Authors are invited to submit their contributions related to one or more of the scientific topics given above. The scientific presentations will be oral or poster. Each presentation should indicate the most appropriate topic.

All contributions will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee members. The Scientific Committee reservesthe right to change the scientific topic and form of presentation (oral/poster) in case of thematic consideration or timing.

Publications

Abstracts accepted for presentation will be published in a Book of Abstracts.

The authors are invited to submit full papers for publication inthe USAMV Bucharest journals with reduced publication fees, according to the requirements of the corresponding journal: https://usamv.ro/en/jurnale/

• AgroLife Scientific Journal (https://agrolifejournal.usamv.ro/index.php/agrolife)

•  

  Scientific Paper. Series A. Agronomy (https://agronomyjournal.usamv.ro/)

  Scientific Papers. Series B. Horticulture (https://horticulturejournal.usamv.ro/)

   

  Scientific Paper. Series D. Animal Science (https://animalsciencejournal.usamv.ro/)

  Scientific Paper. Series C. Veterinary Medicine (https://veterinarymedicinejournal.usamv.ro/)

  Scientific Paper. Series. Management, Economic Engineering and Rural Development (https://managementjournal.usamv.ro/)

  and in:

  Transylvanian Review of Systematical and Ecological Research (http://stiinte.ulbsibiu.ro/trser/)

Registration Fee is Not Required!

Key Dates

Abstract submission:      Extended until 15th September 2025

Registration:                    Extended until 15th September 2025

Registration

Please register here >>>

Abstract submission

Please upload your abstract here >>>

Please download the Conference announcement here >>>

NEW Please download the Conference programme here >>>

For those who can not attend in person, a Zoom link is provided at the end of the programme

Conference Venue

The conference will take place at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV), strategically located in a quiet and green area in the northern part of Bucharest. The campus is approximately 8 km northwest of the city center and easily accessible, situated about 15 km from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).

Bucharest at a glance

Known for its glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of ‘Little Paris’), Bucharest, Romania’s largest city and capital, is today a fascinating and vibrant metropolis. Visitors can discover accents of modernism with traces of history in the architecture of palaces, public buildings and hotels.

Transport from/to Venue

Airport: The nearest airport is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), offering frequent international flights.

Train Travel: Bucharest's main railway station, Gara de Nord (Northern Railway Station), provides excellent connections across Romania and internationally. Travelers arriving by train from Western Europe typically enter through the main border crossing near the town of Curtici. Detailed information on transport from the railway station and airport to the venue will be provided closer to the event date.

Lunch

Lunch will be served at the Campus restaurant, where prices vary from 5 to 10 Euro/meal.
Please inform us in advance about any dietary restrictions or preferences (e.g., allergies, vegetarian options), to better prepare the coffee breaks and the restaurant menu.

Gala Dinner

Details about the Gala Dinner will be announced later.

Accommodation

There are many hotels in the Campus (A10) and around the University, as:

Pullman Bucharest World Trade Center - https://www.booking.com/Share-oaHjpB

Casa Comana Boutique Hotel - https://www.booking.com/Share-WOdg7B

Casa Florescu 13 - https://www.booking.com/Share-w2J2Ok

Samaa Hotel - https://www.booking.com/Share-XttLOuc

as well as many nice apartments:

Eclectic Condo Romexpo 2BR near Metro - https://www.booking.com/Share-g7qIhZ

Herman Park View Cozy Apartment - https://www.booking.com/Share-zokC1yN

Cosy 1 bed flat Domenii, Herastrau, Elias, Veruvis - https://www.booking.com/Share-erGI1LS

High-End Apartments & Penthouse with Terrace https://www.booking.com/Share-9efr5w

Pensiunea Helvetia - https://www.booking.com/Share-9zHwobB

Excursion

An optional excursion to the scenic Comana Natural Park is scheduled for 1 October 2025, offering participants an opportunity to experience Romania’s natural beauty and biodiversity https://comanaparc.wixsite.com/parc-comana/galerie

Conference website:

http://esenias2025.usamv.ro/home

For registration and submission of abstracts.

Contacts:

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