As we gear up for the joint event of 26th International Conference on Subterranean Biology (ICSB) and 6th International Symposium on Anchialine Ecosystems (ISAE), we are thrilled to announce some significant updates designed to enrich the experience of our attendees and participants, particularly focusing on student engagement and international researcher support.

Awards for Outstanding Student Contributions

In our continuous effort to recognize and support the innovative work of students in our field, the ICSB Conference is proud to introduce three prestigious awards for the best student contributions. These awards are open to students presenting either through spoken presentations or posters.

A special committee, comprising at least 30% of students, will be tasked with evaluating the contributions. The meticulous selection process ensures that the awards will be a testament to the excellence in research presented by students. The winners, who will be announced during the last day of the conference, will receive full Article Processing Charge (APC) vouchers. These vouchers will enable the publication of a full article in the society journal, Subterranean Biology, within a Special Topic dedicated to the conference. This opportunity not only provides a platform for students to showcase their research but also encourages their active participation in the scientific dialogue.

Travel Grants to Support International Participation

Understanding the challenges faced by researchers from low-income countries in attending international conferences, we are offering four full fee waivers as travel grants. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and diverse scientific community by ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder valuable contributions.

Eligibility for these grants requires a motivation letter to be submitted along with the conference registration, detailing the applicant’s status (e.g., student, postdoc), country of origin, and the significance of their contribution to the conference. This process will not only help us understand the impact of the proposed research but also the personal and professional journey of the applicants.

The selection process will prioritize students, reflecting our commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists in Subterranean Biology. The announcement of the grant recipients will be made public in May 2024, offering transparency and excitement as the conference approaches. Winners will be awarded a full conference fee reimbursement on the last day of the conference, ensuring their contribution is recognized and celebrated.

Join Us this September in Cagliari, Italy

The ICSB Conference is more than an event; it is a community of passionate individuals committed to advancing the frontiers of Subterranean Biology. These updates reflect our dedication to making the conference accessible, rewarding, and enriching for all participants, especially our students and international researchers.

We look forward to welcoming you to an event filled with groundbreaking research, inspiring discussions, and meaningful recognition of contributions to our field. 

The joint conference between the 26th International Conference on Subterranean Biology and the 6th International Symposium on Anchialine Ecosystems will convene in the vibrant city of Cagliari (Sardinia), Italy 9 – 14 September 2024. The event will take place at the section “Animal Biology and Ecology” of the Department of Life and Environmental Science, University of Cagliari, Via T. Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari Italy.

For more information, make sure you check the official website of ICSB 2024 and ISAE 2024 or follow up the LinkedIn page and stay tuned for more updates.