Participation at 24th Meeting of the Group of European Charophytologists (27-31 July 2026)

The 24th Meeting of the Group of European Charophytologists (GEC 2026) was held in Rostock, Germany, from 27 to 31 July 2026, bringing together researchers and experts studying charophytes. The conference provided an excellent forum for presenting the latest scientific advances, exchanging knowledge, and fostering international collaboration in the fields of charophyte biology, ecology, taxonomy, conservation, and molecular research.

Although the BIOLAWEB project has officially concluded, its scientific outcomes continue to be disseminated at international conferences, demonstrating the project's lasting impact and the relevance of its research.

At GEC 2026, Dr Aleksandra Marković delivered an oral presentation entitled "Looking for charophyte eDNA in lake water – a way forward." The presentation highlighted the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis as a non-invasive approach for detecting and monitoring charophyte species in freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing its advantages for biodiversity assessment and aquatic ecosystem monitoring.

The conference was also attended by Dr Susanne Claudia Schneider (NIVA), a member of the BIOLAWEB team, who further contributed to discussions and strengthened international collaboration within the project network.

The presentation generated valuable discussions with experts in the field and further promoted the BIOLAWEB project's contributions to the development and application of innovative molecular tools for freshwater biodiversity research. Participation in GEC 2026 also provided an opportunity to strengthen existing collaborations and establish new scientific connections within the international charophyte research community.