This week BIOGEOMON 2026 took place in Umeå, Sweden (8-11 June) with over 500 participants from Sweden and abroad. A main theme of the meeting was the importance of Research Infrastructures (RIs) in understanding ecosystems in transition, which gave ample opportunity to present SITES!
Throughout the meeting, the Research Infrastructure booths were set up to showcase, Swedish RIs, including SITES, ICOS Sweden, and ACTRIS Sweden as well as the European initiative, eLTER. At the SITES booth, in addition to presenting SITES Data Portal, focus was also on the two local SITES stations, Svartberget and Röbäcksdalen.
There were numerus presentations given through out the week that utilized SITES stations and/or data. Here are just a few examples: Marcus Klaus: Effects of microbubble abundance on carbon dioxide and methane exchange between inland waters and the atmosphere presented – measurements taken in streams in Svartberget and Abisko (left photo). Carolina Olid: Fate of groundwater-derived CO₂ in a boreal stream: dominance of downstream export – measurements taken at Svartberget station (right photo).
During the Field Excursion Day, several tours were given at SITES Svartberget station as well as a tour at SITES Röbäcksdalen. The tour at Röbäcksdalen focused on agriculture in a northern climate (left photo). One of the tours at Svartberget focused on Peatlands, which showcased trials conducted at Degerö and in the Trollberget Experimental Area. While the other Svartberget tours had a Forest and Water focus, with a visit to the Krycklan Catchment Study (right photo) as well as Flakaliden site. Thanks to all the SITES Staff and researchers as well as the volunteers that made the field excursions a success, even with the added challenge of the rain!
On the last day of the conference there was a session titled, “Field Research Infrastructures for Critical Zone and Aquatic Ecosystems in Transition”, which highlighted the importance of field stations and the critical infrastructure and data that they provide to users. Presentations were made by SITES, as well as many of SITES collaborators, including eLTER, ICOS Sweden, and CZ-NON. A clear message was highlight throughout the session; Field stations matter!
Thanks to everyone that asked about, discussed, presented, and acknowledged SITES during BIOGEOMON 2026! We look forward to continued engagement with you.
Photos were taken by Blaize Denfeld.