FAQ

The eLTER Science Conference focuses on advancing ecosystem, biodiversity, and environmental research in a broad sense and holistic approach. It brings together scientists, policymakers, and practitioners to share knowledge on long-term ecosystem, critical zone, and socio-ecological research, fostering collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas to address environmental challenges in the Anthropocene.

The eLTER Science Conference will be held from 23-27 June, 2025, in Tampere, Finland. Conference venue: Tampere Talo (Address: Yliopistonkatu 55, 33100 Tampere). See location (Map)

The event is organized by the Integrated European Long-Term Ecosystem, Critical Zone, and Socio-Ecological Research Infrastructure (eLTER). More info about eLTER: https://elter-ri.eu/  

Registration opens: 28 October, 2024

Registration closes: 25 April, 2025

Abstract submission opens: 28 October, 2024

Abstract submission closes:  17 January, 2025

Conference dates: 23-27 June, 2025

The eLTER Science Conference is primarily an in-person event to foster deeper engagement and collaboration among participants. The structure of our sessions—featuring interactive discussions, networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops—thrives on face-to-face interaction, which is difficult to fully replicate in a hybrid format. However, if a keynote speaker cannot attend the conference in person, their presentation may be streamed and viewed at the venue.

We are committed to making the eLTER Science Conference a carbon-neutral event. Efforts will include promoting sustainable practices throughout the conference and offsetting carbon outputs. Our venue, Tampere Talo, is Finland’s first carbon-neutral congress center, using only carbon-free energy sources. To further reduce our impact, the entire menu will be vegetarian and vegan. The total carbon footprint of the event will be calculated and publicly reported by our partner, Puuni Oy (the calculations have been prepared in cooperation with the Natural Resources Institute Finland). Moreover, all the emissions associated with the event will be fully compensated with Puuni's carbon sequestration projects, including tree planting in the Kovalansuo former peat-production area in Finland to ensure that your offsets contribute to meaningful reforestation efforts within a 100-year commitment to forest maintenance and carbon storage in Finland. The only element that we, as the organizers, do not compensate for is the participant’s own travel-related emission. We encourage all participants to proceed with travel-emission compensation themselves, e.g. using the Puuni Oy service. For instructions, please see: https://www.elter-ri.eu/science-conference/practicalities#carbon-neutral

In June, Tampere generally experiences mild weather with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). There may be occasional rain, so bringing light layers and a raincoat is advisable. Days are long (daylight >20 hours) due to Finland’s northern latitude, offering extended daylight hours (if you are sensitive to light, it is recommended to bring an eye mask for better rest during your stay).

You can register using the Registration link. Registration is open from the 28 October, 2024 to 25 April, 2025. Please note that late registration cannot be accepted. Important: Remember that registration and abstract submission are separate processes. 

Full-event registration: 485 EUR

One-day registration: 245 EUR for both regular and early career participants

Early career registration: 365 EUR
Eligibility for early-career discount:

Graduate or postgraduate students (student status required)

PhD researchers (PhD student status required)

Individuals within 6 years of graduation (proof required)
Career breaks, such as sick or parental leave, extend this period.

If unsure about your status, contact us at conference@elter-ri.eu for clarification.

The registration fee includes:

• Entrance to the full scientific program (sessions and workshops)

• Coffee and snacks (twice a day from Tuesday-Thursday, once on Friday)

• Vegetarian or vegan buffet lunch (Tuesday-Friday)

• Welcome toast at Tampere Talo (Monday evening)

• City Reception at Tampere City Hall (Tuesday evening)

• Access to the Conference mobile app

• Welcome package

• Carbon offset for conference-related emissions (excluding travel)

Not included:

• Excursions (paid separately, more info here: https://elter-ri.eu/science-conference/social-programme)

• Conference dinner on Wednesday (paid separately, more info here: https://elter-ri.eu/science-conference/social-programme) Please note that the number of seats at the dinner is limited, and will be filled in the order of registrations.

• Carbon compensation for individual travel (optional, more info here: https://www.elter-ri.eu/science-conference/practicalities#carbon-neutral)

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for the conference fee. 

Yes, you can transfer your registration, but you will need to handle the financial aspect yourself. We do not provide a new invoice. Please notify us once the transfer is made so we can update the participant list.

Following the University of Helsinki policy, the eLTER Science Conference does not accept participants affiliated with Russian or Belarusian universities or institutes. For more details: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/war-ukraine 

Please read more about Аbstract submission. 

For your convenience, download  Instructions for Authors: eLTER Science Conference Abstract Submission 

You can find the list of conference scientific sessions and workshops here: Scientific Programme and here is a link for the Social Programme.  

Please note that the final Scientific Programme will be announced on the 21st of March, 2025.

You can submit the abstract using the ARPHA abstract system, all instructions are available here. The abstract call is open from the 28 October, 2024 to 17 January, 2025. No late abstract submission will be accepted. 

Workshops can be accessed via the Eventos App. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a link to download the app and join the workshops.

You can join the excursions while registering for the conference, by clicking the “Excursion A, B, C, or D” add-on in the registration form. Unfortunately, you cannot attend more than one excursion, as they are all taking place simultaneously (Monday, 23rd of June, approx. from 8:30 to 17:30). Please note that the spots on each excursion are limited (Hyytiälä: 100 ppl, others: 50 ppl each). The excursions are NOT included in the registration fee, and an additional 60 EUR per person will be added to your registration fee if you select the “Excursion” add-on. The price includes transportation, lunch, and some refreshments during the excursion. All excursions will include some walking in easy terrain. People with disabilities can participate, but unfortunately, wheelchair access is only partly possible. Accompanying persons can participate at the same cost per person if there is space after the registration has ended (if you wish to bring an accompanying person to the excursion, you need to indicate this in your registration). 

If you wish to cancel your participation, please let us know (eLTER2025@confedent.fi), but be aware that we will not refund the money (we advise and can help you with finding a person who can take your spot and you can proceed with the financial arrangements between each other).  

You can register for the conference dinner by clicking the “Conference Dinner” add-on in the registration form. Please note that the places at the Conference Dinner are limited (max 250 persons). The Conference Dinner is NOT included in the registration fee, and the additional 65 EUR per person will be added to your registration cost if you select the “Conference Dinner” add-on. The price includes the boat transportation from Laukontori to Viikinsaari and back, in addition to the dinner. The boat ride will take ca. 20 min and the lake is usually calm so the danger of seasickness is rather small. Accompanying persons can join at the same cost per person, provided there is availability after the registration period ends. Please indicate your willingness to bring an accompanying person on your registration form. If seats are available, we will contact you directly after the registration period is closed (25th of April, 2025).

If you wish to cancel your participation, please let us know (conference@elter-ri.eu), but be aware that we will not refund the money (we advise and can help you with finding a person who can take your spot but you will be responsible for the financial arrangements regarding the transfer). 

Keynote speakers were invited by the eLTER Science Conference organizing committee. All other speakers can apply by submitting their abstract and adding “ORAL” in the “Presented at” section. See more info on the “Abstract Submission” chapter of these FAQs.

• Keynote speakers will receive separate instructions via email

• Regular speakers will have 12 minutes for their presentation, followed by 3 minutes for Q&A

• Please ensure your presentation stays within the allotted time (a timer will be visible during your talk to help you stay on track)

• Slides should be uploaded to the system (details below) before your presentation

• Posters should be standard size (A0: 841 mm x 1189 mm, portrait orientation)

• Ensure your name and session details are prominently displayed

• You can set up your poster either on the evening before or the morning of your poster session (e.g., Monday evening or Tuesday morning for a Tuesday session)

• You are responsible for both setting up and taking down your poster; Please note that any posters left on the stands after the session will be discarded.

• During your dedicated poster session, you will have time to stand by your poster for discussions, so be ready to briefly summarize your research to attendees

• You will be able to upload your presentation to the centralized system at Tampere Talo upon arrival; An upload booth will be located next to the registration desk where you collect your name badge

• We ask you to upload your presentation as early as possible, ideally by Monday evening, but no later than the morning of your session

• Alternatively, we can upload the presentation to the system for you if submitted in advance. Shall you prefer this option, please send your slides via email to conference@elter-ri.eu by Monday, 16th of June, using the following subject format:

  ORAL PRESENTATION: [Session name], [Presenter Name], [Presentation Title], [Presentation Date (Tue-Fri)]

From Tampere-Pirkkala Airport:

• Take Bus 103 from the airport to the Tampere city center; the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

• From the city center (Tampere Bus Station or Railway Station), Tampere Talo is about a 10-minute easy walk

• The venue is approximately 25-30 minutes by taxi from the airport.

• Some hotels also offer a shuttle service from the airport, so please check with your accommodation for availability.

From Tampere Railway Station:

• The Tampere Talo is a short 10-minute walk from the station. Exit the station towards Itsenäisyydenkatu, walk east along the street, and you will reach Tampere Talo.

• Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the station.

You can also see https://elter-ri.eu/science-conference/practicalities for “how to get there” suggestions. 

Yes, we are happily committed to creating a precedent for a family-friendly event that supports individuals at all life stages, including parents. The eLTER Science Conference aims to foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for families. To facilitate your participation, we can offer (with a subsidized fee):

• On-site caregivers to assist with childcare,

• Engaging workshops for children aged 4 to 12,

• A special program designed for parents with younger children.

For more details, please visit the conference website's family services section. If you are interested in bringing your family along, please contact the conference executive coordinator (paulina.rajewicz@helsinki.fi) by March 22nd latest, to discuss the available options.

To become a vendor at the eLTER Science Conference, please review the business involvement opportunities available on our website ([link]). Once you’ve selected a package that fits your organization, please contact us at business@elter-ri.eu. We will come back to you with the acceptance of your business presence at the conference within 2 weeks. 

You can also use this email address for any questions you may have.

We offer three business packages tailored to various needs and budgets, including Leaf, Tree, and Forest sponsorships. Each package comes with unique benefits and visibility opportunities. For a detailed breakdown of each package, please visit the Exhibitors section on our website.

Sponsoring the eLTER Science Conference provides numerous benefits, including:

• Increased Visibility: Gain recognition among a diverse audience of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners;

• Networking Opportunities: Build valuable partnerships and collaborations with leaders in inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary environmental science, monitoring, and data processing;

• Highlight Innovation: Showcase how your solutions contribute to positive change in long-term monitoring and sustainability practices.

• Upscale and Grow: Leverage eLTER’s ongoing efforts to harmonize data collection across Europe, presenting unique opportunities for market expansion.

There are three options for exhibition booths, tailored to meet various needs: Leaf, Tree, and Forest. The booths should be booked in addition to the exhibition package (there is no option to book a booth without a package and there is no option to book a package without at least the smallest booth). 

For detailed information on the available booth options, please see the details here: https://elter-ri.eu/science-conference/exhibitors. 

If you have any questions or need further details regarding setup and logistics, please contact us at business@elter-ri.eu.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please use this email address: business@elter-ri.eu. Our business involvement team is happy to provide additional details and assist with any questions you may have.

We suggest several hotel options that offer special rates for conference guests. Additionally, we have compiled a list of other hotels you may consider. For all hotel information, please visit this link: https://elter-ri.eu/science-conference/practicalities

Yes, several hotels in Tampere offer special rates for conference attendees. You can find the details here: https://elter-ri.eu/science-conference/practicalities. Please remember that the special rate offers have deadlines specified by each hotel, so be sure to book early!

You can request a letter of invitation by marking the need for it in the registration form (select “I need a VISA to attend the conference in Finland”). Please note that there is an additional cost of 3 EUR for issuing visa support letters.

Important: If we have justified doubts about the purpose of the visa, we may contact the local authorities (Finland is part of the Schengen Area) and they might decide to conduct an extended check on the person applying for this invitation letter. Any attempts to misuse the eLTER conference visa support process will be reported to the authorities.

If you need the visa-supporting letter, we recommend you proceed with the registration only after your scientific abstract has been accepted for the conference (either for an oral or poster presentation). After the acceptance announcement (March 2025), you will still have time to register, as the registration deadline is the 25th of April, 2025.

Transportation from the airport to the venue is not organized by the conference. However, we recommend discussing transportation options with your hotel, as they may offer shuttle services or additional assistance.

We accept several payment methods for registration, including credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), Google Pay, and bank transfers. Please check the Registration page for specific payment options available.

Yes, once your registration is processed, you will receive a confirmation email along with a receipt for your payment.

Yes, organizations can be invoiced directly. During the registration process, please select the option for direct invoicing and provide the necessary details, including your organization's billing information. Please note that a fee of 20 EUR is added to the registration if direct invoicing is requested.

For any billing inquiries, please contact our registration and invoicing partner at eLTER2025@confedent.fi. They will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding your registration and payment.

The Tampere Talo, where the eLTER Science Conference is held, is committed to accessibility for all participants. The venue ensures that all meeting and public areas are accessible, with staff trained to assist those with physical and sensory impairments. Should you require special accommodations, please mark that in the registration form, and we will reach out to you to discuss details. If you have any specific requests, you can also contact us (conference@elter-ri.eu) to ensure your needs are met. For further details regarding accessibility, you can visit the Tampere Talo's website here: https://www.tampere-talo.fi/en/visitors/arrival/accessibility/

If you require special accommodations, please indicate your needs on the registration form. You can specify dietary restrictions, accessibility requirements, or any other requests there. If you have additional questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us at conference@elter-ri.eu.

The official hashtag for the conference is #eLTER2025SC. We encourage all attendees to use this hashtag to share their experiences, connect with other participants, and stay updated on event highlights. 

Follow us on our social media platforms for real-time updates and engagement! eLTER on X; LinkedIn; Instagram

If, after browsing through the FAQ, you have any additional questions, please reach out to our conference organizing team at conference@elter-ri.eu. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 72 hours. You can also find more information on our website: https://elter-ri.eu/science-conference