The 52nd Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GfÖ Annual Meeting 2023) took place in Leipzig, Germany from 12-16 September 2023, hosted by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig. The conference was held under the motto “The Future of Biodiversity – overcoming barriers of taxa, realms and scales”, and welcomed more than 1 100 participants from around 30 countries. It proved to be a dynamic gathering of a diverse group of scientists, policymakers, educators, and environmental enthusiasts from around the world. 

The conference’s agenda encompassed a wide range of critical ecological and environmental topics, fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovative solutions to address global environmental challenges. Participants had the opportunity to engage in 60 thematic sessions, symposiums, and keynote talks, covering subjects such as biodiversity conservation and restoration, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, environmental and biodiversity change, and ecology, among others. These sessions provided a platform for researchers to present their latest findings and for participants to engage in thought-provoking debates on pressing issues.

A poster exhibition, featuring more than 300 biodiversity-related projects, was also included in the conference, providing an opportunity for in-depth discussion and networking. Participants had the chance to vote for their favourite posters, with the top five receiving awards.

SELINA was among the EU-funded projects showcased at the exhibitors’ booths at the GfÖ Annual Meeting. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in conversations with the SELINA communication team on-site and take promotional materials, including brochures and information leaflets, offering a comprehensive overview of the project's goals, activities, and impact.

Moreover, SELINA maintained an active presence on social media, ensuring that highlights from relevant sessions, discussions, and insights shared during the event were disseminated in real-time. This digital outreach enabled SELINA's online audience to follow along with the conference's discussions and stay informed about developments related to ecosystem and biodiversity research.