From 24 to 28 August 2026, SpongeBoost took part in the 15th European Conference on Ecological Restoration (SERE 2026) in Brest, France.

Organised by the University of Brest (UBO) in collaboration with the French Ecological Restoration Network (REVER) and the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER-Europe), the event brought together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to exchange knowledge and discuss current approaches, challenges and opportunities in ecological restoration across Europe. 

Bringing together more than 600 participants from over 50 countries, the conference provided an important European platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening collaboration and advancing practical approaches to ecological restoration. 

Project partners from Pensoft Publishers represented both SpongeBoost and the FERRO project, showcasing the latest updates, results and communication materials. SpongeBoost’s coordinator, Mathias Scholz from Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), was also present at our project booth. His participation provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with key stakeholders, promote SpongeBoost’s objectives and achievements, and raise awareness of the project’s work.

Mathias Scholz at the booth

Participants were able to explore SpongeBoost’s comic books, latest policy brief and other outputs, and learn more about the project’s work to enhance the natural sponge functions of freshwater ecosystems.