ZLI Accommodation Bat Research Symposium

2023
8 December: call for sessions opens
15 January: deadline to submit a session
16-17 January: review period
18 January: notifications for selected sessions

2024
8 January: call for abstracts open
15 March: deadline to submit an abstract
16-21 March: review period
22 March: notifications for selected oral and poster presentations
31 March: deadline for presenters to register
1 April: deadline to upload poster online

Sessions may be proposed by individuals or groups of up to three organizers. Session topics which address integrative and forward-looking research questions or hypotheses, prioritizing photobiological, habitat, or development issues, and those that use innovative research methods and approaches, are encouraged.

Sessions may consist of up to six 15-minute (12 + 3 for questions) presentations. All speakers and organizers must have confirmed their willingness to attend the Symposium and participate in related activities during the conference. Proposals should include a working title, a number of confirmed speakers, and a clear explanation of session goals and its benefits for advancing bat research.

Individual talks which address integrative and forward-looking research, prioritizing photobiological, habitat, or development issues, and those that use innovative research methods and approaches, are encouraged.

If openings become available in a given session, alternate registrants presenting relevant research may be added to an existing session at the organizer’s discretion.

Talks will be granted 15-minute presentations (12 minute talk + 3 Q&A). Proposals should include a working title and an abstract (maximum 150 words).

Posters which address integrative and forward-looking research, prioritizing photobiological, habitat, or development issues, and those that use innovative research methods and approaches, are encouraged.

Posters will presented on-site. Virtual Poster Hall will open one week before live sessions, allowing engagement leading up to the Symposium. All presenters must register to join the Symposium and participate in the Poster Session.

A mandatory training session to learn the platform in the week before the Symposium will be provided. Poster submissions should include a working title and an abstract (150 words maximum).

Nestled in the scenic north-eastern corner of Slovenia, bordering Austria and Hungary, the Grad Castle is more than a historical gem. Within the expanse of the park, 17 distinct bat species thrive, and remarkably, 10 of these choose the castle itself as their roosting abode. This unique coexistence makes the castle among Slovenia's most dynamic bat habitats. Fully recognising this ecological treasure, the park administration diligently dedicates resources to bat conservation, ensuring their protection within the castle and across the park. As the backdrop for the Symposium, the venue epitomises the harmonious fusion of heritage and biodiversity conservation.

If you are traveling to Slovenia by plane, follow these steps to reach the Grad Castle in Goričko Landscape Park:

Fly to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU):
- This is the main international airport in Slovenia. It's located near the capital city, Ljubljana.

Travel from Ljubljana to Goričko Landscape Park:
- By Car: If you opt for a rental car, the drive from Ljubljana to Goričko will take approximately 2.5 hours. The most straightforward route is to head east on the A1 motorway, then switch to the A5 heading towards Murska Sobota. From there, follow local roads to the park and the village of Grad.
- By Bus: There are buses from Ljubljana to the nearby towns of Murska Sobota or Grad.
- By Train: There are trains from Ljubljana to Murska Sobota. From Murska Sobota, you can take a local bus or taxi to the park.

*Alternatively, you can transfer to Ljubljana first and then rent a car, take a bus or a train:
- After landing at the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rental car to Ljubljana. The journey to Ljubljana takes about 25-30 minutes. Follow the above instructions to reach the park.

**Alternative Airports:
- If Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is not convenient for your travel plans, you might also consider flying into Graz Airport (GRZ) in Austria or Zagreb Airport (ZAG) in Croatia. Both airports are about a 2-3 hour drive from Goričko Landscape Park. If you opt for this route, be sure to check cross-border car rental policies.