27th International Conference on Subterranean Biology ICSB

International underground biology meets in Mangalia for the 27th ICSB

From September 7 to 12, 2026, Mangalia will become a global hub for research on subterranean ecosystems. The Romanian city, located on the southern coast of Dobrogea, overlooking the Black Sea, will host the 27th International Conference on Subterranean Biology (ICSB 2026).

The conference annually brings together researchers, biologists, and speleologists from around the world. The goal is to share the latest research on underground biology and foster scientific exchange between diverse research communities.

The choice of Mangalia is no coincidence. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the Movile Cave. The cave is located just 3 kilometers from the conference center.

Movile Cave: the underground chemosynthesis ecosystem with a record number of endemic species.

Movile Cave is one of the most studied subterranean ecosystems in the global scientific community. Discovered in 1986, it remained isolated from the surface for over 5 million years. It was the first subterranean ecosystem to be recognized as entirely based on chemosynthesis.

Movile Cave is home to 37 endemic species, the highest number ever recorded in a similar underground ecosystem. Access is permitted exclusively for scientific research purposes. This restriction has preserved the environment’s biodiversity intact over the decades. Underground biology finds one of its most important global subjects of study here.

The Dobrogea Karst Landscape: Geodiversity and Underground Environments in the Heart of Romania

ICSB 2026 participants will also have the opportunity to explore the area surrounding Mangalia. Southern Dobrogea boasts a karst landscape of considerable interest for geological and biological research. This context offers numerous insights into underground biology.

All information and registration at: https://icsb2026.com/