The 8th CBE will be held in 2027 in Horta, Azores, Portugal!
More details will follow soon, but here we provide a small introduction.
The Dates – From 14-18th of June 2027 (with ice breaker on the 13th)
The Destination – Horta, Faial, Azores
The Azores, where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge surfaces within reach, will be the meeting place where scientists will come together to discuss their latest discoveries and findings in deep-sea ecology related to chemosynthetic environments. The Azores archipelago consist of nine Islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a few hours away from mainland Europe and North America.
Faial features the youngest landmass in Europe formed by the volcanic eruption at Capelinhos between 1957 and 1958. The island is home to the Horta Marina, a legendary stopover for sailors crossing the Atlantic, rich with maritime history. Horta itself is a charming coastal town where nearly everything is within walking distance. The accommodation available ranges from a couple of larger hotels to smaller hostels and family-run businesses.
The local organising committee
The Institute of Marine Sciences OKEANOS has a long-standing history of research on chemosynthesis-based ecosystems, including hydrothermal vents and organic-fall communities along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Drawing on its strategic location in the Azores — one of the few regions in the world with nearby access to active vent fields — OKEANOS scientists have played an important role in the discovery, characterization, and long-term study of these unique deep-sea habitats.
The Venue – Amor da Pátria
The venue for the 8th CBE Symposium is the “Sociedade Amor da Pátria”, a significant piece of Art Deco architecture designed by Norte Júnior, an essential architect in the History of Architecture in Portugal. It is a reference building for social and cultural activities in Faial Island which also hosted many international scientific events. Its history is entangled with the history of not only the island but also the archipelago. For example, the Regional Parliament was established here during its first four years (1976-1980). The “Amor da Pátria” provides a large hall, a bar/resting area, a large auditorium, a small auditorium and a winter garden. It has a capacity for ca. 200 persons.
50 years since discovery
Celebrations are in order since 2027 marks the 50-year discovery of the very first hydrothermal vents. While the existence of this specific ecosystem (i.e. underwater geysers at tectonic spreading or subduction sites) was expected or predicted, the incredible fauna it hosted came as an unbelievable surprise. We want to honour this golden jubilee with some nice celebratory activities combining arts and sciences.
Gastronomy
Faial’s gastronomy reflects the island’s maritime heritage, volcanic soil, and a mix of Portuguese and overseas influences. From freshly caught seafood such as grilled fish and limpets and stewed octopus, to rich local cheeses and volcanic-grown produce. Horta’s restaurants pair these flavours with wines from neighbouring Pico island where the vines grow between black lava walls overlooking the sea (and is part of UNESCO world heritage). There is a bit of everything in every price range, but to European standards, prices are considered affordable.
Join us in Horta to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and contribute to shaping the next years of research on chemosynthetic ecosystems. Let’s celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of hydrothermal vent fields together.
