The 15th International SedNet Conference will take place from 27 September to 1 October 2027 in Budapest, Hungary. This edition is particularly special, as it marks the 25th anniversary of SedNet.

The conference will feature a dedicated anniversary theme, along with a range of exciting programme elements and opportunities for collaboration and exchange.

At the conference, we invite abstracts for a series of sessions aiming to explore different challenges and proposed solutions related to the theme “Sediments in Transition”. 

Sediments in Transition: 25 years of connecting policy, science and practice

Over the past 25 years, SedNet has established itself as Europe’s leading platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience on sediment-related challenges. Since its foundation, SedNet has brought together scientists, policymakers, water managers, port authorities, consultants and practitioners, creating a unique network at the interface of science, policy and practice. Early discussions focused primarily on sediment quality, contaminated sediments, dredged material management and the implementation of emerging European water legislation, particularly the Water Framework Directive.

As understanding of aquatic systems evolved, SedNet’s scope broadened accordingly. Alongside sediment quality and management, increasing attention was given to sediment continuity, ecosystem functioning, beneficial use of sediments, nature-based solutions, stakeholder engagement and the role of sediments in achieving sustainable river basin and coastal management. This evolution reflects a growing recognition that sediments are essential to the health, resilience and long-term sustainability of aquatic environments.

Today, sediments are at the centre of a rapidly changing environmental and policy landscape. Climate change, extreme weather events, coastal erosion, river restoration, digitalization and advances in data science and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way sediments are monitored, understood and managed. At the same time, 2027 marks an important milestone for European water policy, providing an opportunity to reflect on achievements, lessons learned and future directions.

Against this backdrop, SedNet 2027 in Budapest will celebrate 25 years of collaboration while looking ahead to the next generation of sediment management. The conference will explore how policy, science and practice can continue to work together to support resilient aquatic systems, sustainable sediment management and healthy waters in a changing world.

We propose seven thematic sessions for the conference:

1. Sediment policy & its impact on sediment management.

2. Sediment flows.

3. Sediment quality and risk assessment.

4. Nature-based solutions and beneficial use.

5. Sediment literacy and citizen science.

6. Digital sediments – monitoring, modelling & AI.

7. Climate change, coastal dynamics & extreme events.

The submission deadline for abstracts is 11th of December 2026.

Abstracts must be sent to the SedNet Secretariat. For questions, please also contact the SedNet Secretariat.