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European Citizen Science Association 2026 Conference

ECSA 2026 will be held in Oulu, Finland, 2-7 March, 2026. It will be hosted by the University of Oulu in a year when the city holds the title of the European Capital of Culture.
MACC Hub Knowledge Manager
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  • October 3, 2025
  • 2 min read
  • Event: 02/03/2026 - 00:00 (UTC +03:00) - 06/03/2026 - 22:00 (UTC +03:00)

Date and Location

Date: March 2-6, 2026
Location: Oulu, Finland

Background

Every two years European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) conferences bring together hundreds of researchers, practitioners in the field of citizen science, policymakers, science funders, NGOs and interested citizens. In meetings, round tables, workshops, participants share experiences and knowledge, explore the transformative potential of citizen science and make the community grow and thrive.

ECSA conferences are a celebration of the citizen science community, a networking and partnership-building opportunity, and a biennial highlight in the citizen science calendar. The conference gives the opportunity to put a face on citizen science, spotlighting new ideas and talent while strengthening the roots of the citizen science community.

Aim

The theme of the 2026 conference is Citizen Science between Centre and Periphery. This theme highlights the diversity across regions, from urban metropolitan hubs to remote northern and southern spaces. It explores citizen science’s vital connections to sustainability, culture, history, political and legal systems, resources, public health and more. 

Preliminary Programme

The conference will take place from March 2nd to 7th, 2026, with the following schedule:

  • March 2nd: Pre-conference day dedicated to ECSA Working Group meetings.
  • March 3rd-6th: Scientific program featuring panels, workshops, and roundtables.
  • March 6th (afternoon): Final keynote speech and closing ceremony, open to the public.
  • March 6th (afternoon to late evening): Citizen Science Festival, open to everyone – families, the general public, schools, and all interested individuals.
  • March 7th: Day for excursions for the attendees who wish to explore Oulu and experience more of Finland

Key dates

  • April 22, 2025: Call for topics (panels, roundtables, workshops) opens
  • June 3, 2025: Call for topics closes after a six week call
  • July 3, 2025: Decisions implemented and made public on the conference website
  • July 4, 2025: Call for papers, contributions, showcase pitches and posters opens
  • October 07, 2025: Call for papers, contributions and posters closes at 23:59 (EEST, UTC+3)
  • October 22, 2025: Convener decisions on papers
  • October 27, 2025: Transfer process opens
  • November 28, 2025: Transfer process completes
  • October 27, 2025: Early Bird Registration opens
  • January 27, 2025: Early Bird Registration rate ends
  • March 3, 2026: Opening of the conference

Further details

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