Joint ESENIAS and DIAS Scientific Conference 2025 and 14th ESENIAS Workshop
Invasive alien species in a changing climate: Challenges for ecosystem resilience
30 September – 3 October 2025
Bucharest, Romania
Embedded Files
Joint ESENIAS and DIAS Scientific Conference 2025 and 14th ESENIAS Workshop
Organised and supported by:
University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV)
Romanian Society of Horticulturists
Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research,
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBER-BAS), Bulgaria
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Forestry, Bulgaria
Faculty of Agriculture, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ), Türkiye
East and South European Network for Invasive Alien Species (ESENIAS)
Danube Region Invasive Alien Species Network (DIAS)
EWRS Invasive Alien Plants Working Group
The Joint ESENIAS and DIAS Scientific Conference 2025 will bring together leading scientists, researchers, and experts in Bucharest, Romania, from 30 September to 3 October 2025.
Join us for an engaging exploration of the current challenges. This event offers a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing, networking, and discovering innovative solutions.
Registration fee is not required. Passion for invasive species is mandatory.
Abstract submission deadline: 30 August 2025
Register here
Download First announcement here
Download Abstract form here
Organising Committee
Sorin Mihai Cîmpeanu, USAMV, (Chair)
Florin Stănică, USAMV (Co-Chair)
Roxana Ciceoi, USAMV, ESENIAS (Co-Chair)
Liliana Bădulescu, USAMV, ESENIAS (Co-Chair)
Teodora Trichkova, IBER-BAS, ESENIAS, DIAS, IAD (Co-chair)
Rumen Tomov, University of Forestry, ESENIAS, DIAS, IAD (Co-chair)
Ahmet Uludağ, ÇOMÜ, ESENIAS, DIAS, EWRS IP WG (Co-chair)
Hristina Kalcheva, IBER-BAS, ESENIAS, DIAS, IAD
Ana Cornelia Butcaru, USAMV
Cosmina Oana Arabela Venat, USAMV
Scientific Committee
Florin Stănică, Romania (Chair)
Roxana Ciceoi, Romania (Co-Chair)
Liliana Bădulescu, Romania (Co-Chair)
Teodora Trichkova, Bulgaria (Co-chair)
Rumen Tomov, Bulgaria (Co-chair)
Ahmet Uludağ, Türkiye (Co-chair)
Ali Serhan Tarkan, Türkiye
Argyro Zenetos, Greece
Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu, Türkiye
Barbara Stammel, Germany
Beatrice Iacomi, Romania
Bella Japoshvili, Georgia
Bojan Simovski, R. North Macedonia
Cristina Preda, Romania
Cosmin Mihai, Romania
Constantina Chireceanu, Romania
Dan Cogălniceanu, Romania
Dinka Matosevich, Croatia
Doru Bănăduc, Romania
Elena Tricarico, Italy
F. Güler Ekmekçi, Türkiye
Giuseppe Brundu, Italy
Halil Ibrahimi, Kosovo
Hristina Kalcheva, Bulgaria
Ionela Dobrin, Romania
Katrin Teubner, Austria
Konstantin Zdraveski, R. North Macedonia
Laurenţiu Rozylowicz, Romania
Lucian Pârvulescu, Romania
Luis Popa, Romania
Mahir Kanyılmaz, Türkiye
Mala-Maria Stavrecu Bedivan, Romania
Maria Iamandei, Romania
Marius Skolka, Romania
Markéta Ondračková, Czech Republic
Marina Piria, Croatia
Marga Gradila, Romania
Mihaela Georgescu, Romania
Milcho Todorov, Bulgaria
Minodora Gutue, Romania
Momir Paunović, Serbia
Necmi Aksoy, Türkiye
Nejc Jogan, Slovenia
Oana Popa, Romania
Paraskevi Karachle, Greece
Paulina Anastasiu, Romania
Pavel Jurajda, Czech Republic
Péter Borza, Hungary
Petra Kutleša, Croatia
Predrag Simonović, Serbia
Riccardo Scalera, Italy
Sajmir Beqiraj, Albania
Sanja Radonjić, Montenegro
Sasho Trajanovski, R. North Macedonia
Sava Vrbrijanin, Serbia
Şerife Gülsün Kırankaya, Türkiye
Stelios Katsanevakis, Greece
Sorin Ștefănuț, Romania
Sven Jelaska, Croatia
Violeta Tyufekchieva, Bulgaria
Vladimir Vladimirov, Bulgaria
Yuriy Kvach, Ukraine
Conference Overview
In the context of increasing environmental pressures and climatic challenges, invasive alien species (IAS) represent a critical threat to ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, and socio-economic stability. The Joint ESENIAS and DIAS Scientific Conference 2025, held under the theme 'Invasive alien species in a changing climate: challenges for ecosystem resilience', provides a collaborative platform for scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders from across the region. The event emphasises the importance of fostering stronger regional cooperation, expanding our scientific community, and enhancing collaborative initiatives to address IAS challenges effectively. It invites participants to explore innovative approaches and strategies for IAS management, aiming for integrated regional solutions and improved ecosystem resilience.
This conference is the seventh one organised jointly in frames of the networks ESENIAS and DIAS, focusing on the topic: “Invasive alien species in a changing climate: Challenges for ecosystem resilience”. It will highlight the importance of regional cooperation for finding innovative solutions to IAS issues.
The conference aims to:
Present and discuss ongoing ESENIAS and DIAS project results and achievements.
Facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices from regional IAS initiatives, including risk assessments, early detection, monitoring, containment and control strategies, citizen science, and data management.
Develop and propose innovative, practical solutions for IAS research and management tailored to the unique challenges of our region.
Strengthening regional and cross-border collaboration among the ESENIAS and DIAS networks, encouraging partnerships and joint actions with other international organisations, institutions, and projects.
Scientific Topics
1. Invasive alien species traits and trends – invasive alien species introduction and spread, biological and ecological traits; characteristics of recipient environment; invasive alien species and climate change; viruses, bacteria and other small organisms as IAS
2. Vectors and pathways for invasive alien species introductions – analysis, prioritization, action plans
3. The Danube River as invasive alien species corridor – priority species for the Danube Region, impact on threatened species, specificity of biological invasions in the Lower, Middle and Upper Danube River sections, Joint Danube Survey 5 (JDS5) and IAS
4. Invasive alien species impact – impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services, impact on human health, safety and the economy; pests and pathogens; adverse impact on protected areas, endangered species and habitats
5. Invasive alien species prevention and management – early detection and rapid eradication, surveillance systems; risk assessment and horizon scanning; control and containment measures; restoration of damaged ecosystems; education, citizen science, strategies, policy and legislation
6. Management and sharing of IAS data – IAS networks and information systems, databases, data planning and management
7. Other topics – general aspects related to the quality of the aquatic and terrestrial environments and associated biological communities, which may influence the introduction and spread of IAS, as well as the application of prevention and management measures, forest fires and IAS.
Important Information
The official language of the conference will be English.
Authors are invited to submit their contributions related to one or more of the scientific topics given above. The scientific presentations will be oral or poster. Each presentation should indicate the most appropriate topic.
All contributions will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee members. The Scientific Committee reserves the right to change the scientific topic and form of presentation (oral/poster) in case of thematic consideration or timing.
Publications
Abstracts accepted for presentation will be published in a Book of Abstracts.
The authors are invited to submit full papers for publication in the USAMV Bucharest journals with reduced publication fees, according to the requirements of the corresponding journal (see at https://usamv.ro/en/jurnale/):
AgroLife Scientific Journal (https://agrolifejournal.usamv.ro/index.php/agrolife)
Scientific Paper. Series A. Agronomy (https://agronomyjournal.usamv.ro/)
Scientific Papers. Series B. Horticulture (https://horticulturejournal.usamv.ro/)
Scientific Paper. Series D. Animal Science (https://animalsciencejournal.usamv.ro/)
Scientific Paper. Series C. Veterinary Medicine (https://veterinarymedicinejournal.usamv.ro/)
Scientific Paper. Series. Management, Economic Engineering and Rural Development (https://managementjournal.usamv.ro/)
and in:
Transylvanian Review of Systematical and Ecological Research (http://stiinte.ulbsibiu.ro/trser/)
Registration Fee is Not Required!
Register here
Key Dates
Abstract submission: 31 August 2025
Registration: 31 August 2025
Additional info
Additional info
Conference venue
Conference venue
University of Agronomic Sciences and veterinary Medicine of Bucharest
Address: Mărăşti Blvd., 59, Sector 1, 011464
Venue
Venue
The conference will take place at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV), strategically located in a quiet and green area in the northern part of Bucharest. The campus is approximately 8 km northwest of the city center and easily accessible, situated about 15 km from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).
The conference will take place at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV), strategically located in a quiet and green area in the northern part of Bucharest. The campus is approximately 8 km northwest of the city center and easily accessible, situated about 15 km from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).
Bucharest at a glance
Bucharest at a glance
Known for its glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), Bucharest, Romania’s largest city and capital, is today a fascinating and vibrant metropolis. Visitors can discover accents of modernism with traces of history in the architecture of palaces, public buildings and hotels.
Known for its glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), Bucharest, Romania’s largest city and capital, is today a fascinating and vibrant metropolis. Visitors can discover accents of modernism with traces of history in the architecture of palaces, public buildings and hotels.
Transport to/from the venue
Transport to/from the venue
The venue is situated in the northern part of Bucharest, in the area of Herăstrău Park and Expoziției Boulevard, near Piața Presei Libere, with excellent access to public transportation and major transit hubs.
From Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
Henri Coandă Airport is Romania’s main international airport, located approximately 15 km north of the city center.
1. By taxi or Ride-Sharing Apps
Estimated duration: 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic
Estimated fare: 50–80 RON (~10–16 EUR)
Use only authorized taxis (from airport kiosks) or reliable apps like Uber or Bolt.
2. By Bus 100
Direct airport-city express line
Runs from Henri Coandă Airport to Piața Unirii (city center), with stops including Piața Presei Libere
Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes (daytime), 30 minutes (night)
Duration: ~40–50 minutes to Piața Presei
Fare: 3 RON (payable by contactless card or 24pay/Bpay app)
From Piața Presei Libere: Walk about 10–15 minutes to USAMV campus.
Other Bus Lines to Piața Presei Libere
Other Bus Lines to Piața Presei Libere
If coming from northern suburbs or nearby locations, you may use:
Bus 442
Bus 448
Bus 443B
These lines connect areas such as Therme București, Otopeni, and Băneasa directly to Piața Presei Libere.
3. By Train to Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord)
A direct rail link connects the airport with the Gara de Nord (Bucharest North Station), the city’s central rail hub.
Duration: ~20 minutes
Frequency: Every 40 minutes (daily, from early morning until late night)
Fare: ~5 RON (tickets can be purchased at the station or online)
From Gara de Nord, participants can:
Take Bus 105 or Bus 205 directly to the stop Agronomie (approx. 20–25 minutes)
Or take a taxi / Uber / Bolt (~15 minutes)
Local Buses & Trolleybuses Near Campus
The following lines serve stops close to the university:
Buses: 105, 205, 282, 335
Trolleybuses: 41, 42
Nearby tram: Line 41 (connects Basarab – Piața Presei)
Tickets can be purchased via 24pay or BPay app. Contactless payment directly on board
Accomondation
Accomondation
On-Campus Accommodation
USAMV Campus Hostel, offers 30 double rooms in the A10 Student Campus.
Price: €25 per night
Booking: Accommodation should be requested during admission.
Hotels within walking distance (0.5–1.5 km from USAMV)
Pullman Bucharest World Trade Center - https://www.booking.com/Share-oaHjpB
Casa Comana Boutique Hotel - https://www.booking.com/Share-WOdg7B
Casa Florescu 13 - https://www.booking.com/Share-w2J2Ok
Samaa Hotel - https://www.booking.com/Share-XttLOuc
as well as many nice apartments:
Eclectic Condo Romexpo 2BR near Metro - https://www.booking.com/Share-g7qIhZ
Herman Park View Cozy Apartment - https://www.booking.com/Share-zokC1yN
Cosy 1 bed flat Domenii, Herastrau, Elias, Veruvis - https://www.booking.com/Share-erGI1LS
High-End Apartments & Penthouse with Terrace https://www.booking.com/Share-9efr5w
Pensiunea Helvetia - https://www.booking.com/Share-9zHwobB
Excursion
Excursion
Optional Field visit – Comana Natural Park
Optional Field visit – Comana Natural Park
An excursion will be organized on 1 October to Comana Natural Park https://comanaparc.wixsite.com/parc-comana/galerie
Duration: Half-day (approx. 5–6 hours)
Departure from: USAMV Bucharest | Transportation: by coach
We are pleased to offer conference participants the opportunity to join a guided excursion to Comana Natural Park – one of Romania’s most important protected wetland areas and a model of ecological conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable tourism.
Located just 40 km south of Bucharest, Comana Natural Park (Parcul Natural Comana) is a Natura 2000 site covering over 24,000 hectares. Often referred to as the “Little Delta” of southern Romania, the park encompasses diverse habitats including forests, wetlands, meadows, and lakes, hosting over 140 bird species, rare orchids, amphibians, and endangered plants.
Highlights of the Visit
Highlights of the Visit
- Birdwatching and biodiversity tour. Explore the park’s unique wetland ecosystems and observe aquatic and migratory bird species in their natural habitat, guided by park rangers and biodiversity experts.
- Forest and meadow Walk. A relaxing walk through Comana Forest, a rare lowland oak and hornbeam ecosystem, part of Romania’s natural heritage.
- Ecotourism and educational center. Learn about the park's ongoing efforts in ecological restoration, community engagement, and environmental education.
- Cultural and historical stop: Comana Monastery, from the 15th-century, rebuilt in the time of Prince Vlad Țepeș (“Dracula”), offering a glimpse into Romanian history and Orthodox tradition.
Optional lunch at Comana Eco-Village. Enjoy a traditional Romanian lunch made with locally sourced ingredients at the eco-tourism complex by the lake.
Scientific Relevance
The excursion reflects the conference themes on invasive alien species, offering a real-world case study of protected area management, buffer zone agriculture, and community-based conservation. It also serves as a living example of the interplay between traditional land uses and modern conservation strategies.
Practical Information
Practical Information
Departure: from USAMV Bucharest main gate
Travel time: approx. 1 hour (each way)
Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
Binoculars and field guides provided upon request
Participation is free for registered conference attendees.
To join, please select the “Excursion to Comana Natural Park” option during registration or notify the organizing committee.
More details https://easy2visit.com/en/comana-natural-park-entrance-tickets/
Some video here
Page updated
Report abuse