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Opening day
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Submission deadline
Call for Contributions
Toward Integrative Social-Ecological Knowledge Systems: Conceptual and Computational Foundations for Ecological Synthesis
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
September 28 – October 1 2026
https://indico.rz.uni-jena.de/e/EcolSyn
Supported by DFG, the Ernst-Abbe-Stiftung and EcoWeaver
About
Ecological research increasingly relies on integrating diverse knowledge sources, from field data and models to socio-economic information and cultural practices. However, such knowledge remains fragmented across disciplines, limiting effective synthesis.
Recent advances in AI (e.g., large language models, knowledge graphs, agent-based systems) offer new possibilities for knowledge integration. Yet key conceptual, methodological, and epistemological challenges remain unresolved.
This workshop brings together researchers from ecology, AI, philosophy of science, social sciences and social-ecological systems to advance the integration and mobilization of ecological knowledge.
Topics of Interest
We invite contributions addressing:
- AI-based approaches to ecological synthesis and their limitations
- Knowledge representation and semantic frameworks
- Interoperable data and knowledge model
- Epistemic standards (transparency, interpretability, reliability)
- Methods and approaches for synthesizing social and ecological knowledge
- Integration of diverse forms of knowledge
- Accounting for ecological and social context including causal inference
Contributions
We welcome:
- Talks
- Posters (with dedicated sessions throughout the workshop)
- Proposals for breakout groups
Please submit:
- Title
- Abstract (less than 2000 characters)
- Authors and affiliations
- Type (presentation, poster, breakout)
to https://indico.rz.uni-jena.de/e/EcolSyn
Format
The workshop includes keynote talks, thematic sessions, poster sessions, and collaborative group work designed to foster interdisciplinary exchange.
Publication
We plan to publish abstracts and workshop documentation in zenodo.
Who Should Apply?
Researchers from ecology, computer science/AI, philosophy of science, social sciences and social-ecological systems studies.
Early-career and interdisciplinary contributions are especially encouraged.
Key Dates
Submission deadline: 30.06.2026
Notification: 15.07.2026
Workshop: Sept 28 – Oct 1 2026
Registration
Registration will open Mid/End June. The registration fee will be € 125 and will be waived for student participants.
We will be able to offer limited travel support for active participants (speaker, presenter of a poster, organiser of a breakout session). Application will be possible on the registration page.
Organisers and Scientific Comitee
Tim Alamenciak (Carleton U, U Waterloo, Canada)
Carlos Arnillas (U Toronto, Canada)
Robert Frühstückl (U Linz, Austria)
Tina Heger (IGB and TU Munich, Germany)
Phyllis Illari (UCL, UK)
Birgitta König-Ries (U Jena, Germany)
Lars Vogt (LIB Hamburg, Germany)
Breakout Sessions
An important part of the meeting will be breakout sessions. You can find information on the ones already planned under the "Group Work Sessions" header. If you want to contribute to one of those: please submit an abstract in the respective category. You can also propose further sessions. Again, just submit a suitable abstract.