16th European Diatom Meeting, Murcia (Spain), 6-10th July 2026

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Habitat degradation caused by environmental changes and human activities has increased progressively, endangering not only the survival of some species but also the maintenance of several economic activities. In environmental prevention, control, and management, diatoms are essential, as they help us interpret both current and past changes. These extraordinarily beautiful microalgae, with frustules synthesized on a nanometric scale, are not only indispensable in environmental studies across all aquatic systems but can also provide ingredients of great interest and economic value in aquaculture, agriculture, nutrition, cosmetics, and medicine, besides their relevance in forensic sciences. We hope that this meeting, organized for the first time in Spain, will showcase an
active diatomist community with a strong cohort of young researchers (promoters of the event), promising a bright future for the study of these marvellous organisms.

The issues faced by southern European countries, including Spain, deserve attention, particularly in the management of their coastal, transition water zones
and semi-arid streams, without neglecting the essential aspects of evolution and phylogeny. The topics proposed surely will promote fruitful discussions not only for scientists but also for managers and politicians in charge of environmental questions. The future of diatomology is in the shoulders of young people and they will have especial protagonism in the new format of flash talks. Finally, this is also a good opportunity to know the Region of Murcia (Southeast Spain), the roman archaeological sites in Cartagena, Murcia cathedral, The Mar Menor coastal lagoon or not very far the castles of Mula and Caravaca de la Cruz
and prehistoric cave paintings. Hope you join us and enjoy the sunny charm of Murcia.

Topics

• Diatoms as indicators of past and present environmental change.
• Diatoms in the era of big data and integrative biology.
• Diatoms as ecosystem players and tools of sustainability.

Plenary speakers

* The life of marine benthic diatoms in intertidal sediments. Graham J.C. Underwood, University Essex, United Kingdom.
* Genomic insights into the speciation and adaptation of diatoms. Eveline Pinseel, University Ghent, Belgium.
* Unraveling diatom communities in temporary rivers: taxonomic and functional perspectives. Helena Novais, University Evora, Portugal

Scientific committee
Salomé Almeida, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Marco Cantonati, University Bologna, Italy
Martyn Kelly, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
Lourenço Ribeiro, University Lisbon, Portugal
Zrenka Ljubesic, University Zagreb, Croatia
Jana Kulichová, Charles University Prague, Czech Republik
Roksana Majewska, Nord University, Noruega
Nelida Abarca, Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin, Germany
Elena Jovanoska, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum
Frankfurt and Main, Germany
Elisa Falasco, University Torino, Italy

Workshops

The genera Pseudostaurosira and Nanofrustulum in Europe: a morphological and taxonomic overview of all reported species.
Bart Van de Vijver1,2, Margaux Pottiez1 & Carlos E. Wetzel3
1Meise Botanic Garden, Belgium, 2University of Antwerp, Belgium,
3Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Luxembourg

Digital diatomology and intercalibration.
Michael Kloster and Andrea Burfeid-Castellanos, University Duisburg-
Essen, Germany.
Hands on workshops

Exploring Diatom Morphology with Field Emission SEM
Scientific and Technic Research Area of Murcia University (ACTI)
Only for groups until 7 persons that can bring their own samples.

Confocal Microscopy for Diatom Research: Principles and Applications
Scientific and Technic Research Area of Murcia University (ACTI)
Only for groups until 7 persons that can bring their own samples.

Field trips and excursions
– Three excursions and field trips are proposed and will be organized on demand.

• Mar Menor coastal lagoon visiting the five islands.

• Semiarid streams and marshes.

Fees

Inscription – Before April 16th – After April 16th
Academics/professionals – 225 – 300
Students – 150 – 225
Accompanying persons – 120 – 195

Workshops
Academics/professionals – 150 – 200
Students – 50 – 100
Inscription fees include congress materials, coffees, lunches and banquet.

Important data
Inscription and abstracts: November 15th – April 24th.
Abstracts acceptance: May 15th.
Definitive Programme: May 31st.

Sign Up
https://edm2026.es