The Sopot Science Association (SSA) invites contributions to the 2026 edition of the International Sopot Youth Conference, “Where the World is Heading”. The conference continues the tradition of the Sopot Youth Forum, and since 2008 more than 1,000 scientists from many countries have presented their work at the event.
This year’s edition is organized in partnership with the YOLA (Youth Ocean Leadership and Advocacy) project, which empowers young people to engage in ocean conservation and climate policy. Sopot represents the second YOLA pilot site, following the first pilot in Boulogne-sur-Mer (France).
The conference forms part of the broader Ocean of Changes 2026 event, taking place from 8–13 June 2026. Within this framework, dedicated YOLA-oriented activities will be organised alongside the conference to foster youth engagement, advocacy, and dialogue on ocean and climate issues. Further details will be announced in due course.
Young scientists and science enthusiasts, university students, PhD students, and young doctors (up to two years after defence) are invited to present their work, visions, opinions, and thoughts. The conference features two thematic blocks: humanities and social sciences, and natural and physical sciences. Both oral presentations (15 minutes) and poster presentations are welcome.
The 2026 edition will be held in hybrid format. Participants are also invited to join a special interdisciplinary session dedicated to inclusiveness in science, with more information to be announced soon. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the conference, abstracts and presentations should be prepared in a way that is accessible to participants outside the author’s discipline. The conference language is English.
The conference proceedings are registered with an ISBN and can be cited, and awards will be granted to the best presentations, as in previous editions.
Important dates:
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Abstract submission deadline (max. 1,500 characters): 23 April 2026
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Acceptance notifications: 29 April 2026
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Conference: 10 June 2026
More information and registration details are available at: https://oceanofchanges.com/en/conferences/isyc2026/
Directly register here.
Learn more about YOLA: here.