9th European Conference on Scientific Diving (ECSD9)
15–19 June 2026 | Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores (Portugal)
Dive into science.
Dive into nature.
Dive into the Atlantic.
Abstract deadline: February 28th
What is ECSD?
The European Conference on Scientific Diving brings together researchers and scientific diving professionals, building on earlier European scientific diving meetings and aligned communities.
“A conference surrounded by nature”
Acceptance
-
March
About the conference
ECSD is a European forum for scientists and professionals using diving as a tool for research, monitoring, training, and operational field science. It combines scientific outcomes with best practice in diver safety, methodology, and technology.
Who should attend
- Researchers using diving in marine/freshwater science
- Scientific diving officers, technicians, and safety managers
- Early-career researchers and students
- Marine protected area and monitoring teams
- Technology and equipment developers
“ECSD is a European forum where science meets diving.”
Topics & Tracks
Marine Biology & Ecology
- Benthic ecology, fish/invertebrate surveys, restoration/rehabilitation, invasive species, fisheries-related diving science, MPAs.
Freshwater & Inland Waters
- Lakes, rivers, springs, cave/cenote-style research contexts (as applicable), freshwater biodiversity, monitoring.
Environmental Stressors
- Pollution (microplastics, metals), climate impacts, coastal development, cumulative impacts.
Human Factors & Safety
- Risk assessment, incident learning, fitness-to–dive, operational planning, training standards, team management.
Citizen Science, Outreach & Education
- Community monitoring programmes, science communication, education models.
Archaeology
- Survey and excavation, 3D recording, shipwrecks, landscapes, conservation management.
Methods & Technology
- Underwater sampling methods, photogrammetry, AUV/ROV integration, sensors, rebreathers (where relevant), diver propulsion systems, comms, data pipelines.
Keynote speakers will be announced soon.
ECSD9 will feature keynote talks highlighting cutting-edge scientific diving research, innovation in underwater methods, and best practice in safety and training.
Program at a Glance
“Where science meets the ocean”
Registration + welcome reception
Day 1
Days 2–4
Oral sessions + posters + networking
Day 5
Field sessions / special interest groups / closing
Session format
- Oral: 12 min talk + 3 min Q&A
- Posters: poster session with dedicated viewing time