Biometeorlogy: Report from the ICB2026 in Novi Sad

The 24th International Congress of Biometeorology (ICB2026) took place from 13 to 16 July 2026 at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia. Under the theme “Biometeorology: Addressing 21st Century Global Climate Issues and Perspectives of Living Beings and Places”. The congress served as a premier interdisciplinary forum.
It brought together meteorologists, climatologists, biologists, ecologists, health experts, and related professionals to exchange knowledge on the atmospheric impacts on living organisms.

The European Meteorological Society supported the congress at this occasion by assigning a EMS Young Scientist Conference Award (YSCA) for the ICB2026. The award was won by Matteo Migliari, a young researcher at the Atelier Franck Boutté in Paris for his contribution on “Comparing tree species’ cooling performance in relation to growth stage and planting density”.

There were also three scientific awards presented for outstanding publications in peer-reviewed journals presented by Solco W. Tromp Foundation.

The congress accommodated both in-person and virtual participants, featuring 15-minute presentation slots in parallel sessions to ensure dynamic discussion. The main poster sessions provided a platform for informal professional exchange and new project partnerships.

Parallel meetings of specialized groups were held alongside the main conference. Sessions organized by ISB commissions and study groups focused on pressing climate challenges, including heatwave impacts, spatial and temporal air mass variability, urban climate adaptation, shifting phenological phases, and the effects of extreme weather on agriculture, ecosystems, and tourism.

 ICB2026 underscored the vital need for closer integration between meteorological science and allied disciplines to address the climate crisis. Key priorities moving forward include translating research into practical applications—such as climate-resilient urban planning—and continuing joint research across international networks.
This effort is also supported by the EMS: ISB and EMS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and intensify collaboration five yeas ago. Both organsations approved that this agreement is extended for another five years.

With this conference Tanja Cegnar, Slovenia, took on the Office of the ISB President for the next three years.