Liberec hosted the international ECOpole 2025 conference

Technical University of Liberec and its research institute CXI TUL became the center of the European scientific map for three October days. From October 22 to 24, 2025, they hosted the 34th ECOpole – one of the longest-running environmental conferences in Central Europe. And for the first time ever, it took place outside of Poland.

The driving force behind ECOpole is Assoc. Prof. Ing. Stanisław Witold Wacławek, Ph.D., who continues the legacy of his parents – the founders of this long-standing international conference. This year’s edition brings a new environment and expands cooperation with additional international partners, confirming the lasting importance and global character of the entire series.

“The ECOpole conference has a long history and has been connecting experts from various countries for many years. I’m glad that we can now continue this tradition in Liberec and strengthen cooperation between Poland, the Czech Republic, and other European partners,” says S. Wacławek, Head of the Environmental Chemistry Department at CXI TUL.

Water, Energy, Food – and How to Keep Them in Balance

The theme of this year’s edition was the Water–Food–Energy Nexus – the interconnection of three key resources shaping the planet’s future. Liberec welcomed top speakers from universities across Europe and Asia, including experts from Germany, Taiwan, the UK, and India.

The discussions focused on:

• microrobots for environmental cleanup (CEITEC),
• hydrogen produced from solar energy and wastewater (Naples),
• food systems from farm to table (NCHU Taiwan).

The conference also featured a local representative: Prof. Miroslav Černík (CXI TUL), who presented the use of natural polymers in ecological and food industry applications.

Magical Mercury – and Space for Young Scientists

Alongside expert lectures, the conference also offered a popular science dimension. Dr. Andrew Szydlo, a well-known British chemist and science popularizer, captivated the audience with his engaging lecture “Magical Mercury”, which combined chemistry, history, and showmanship in an inspiring performance.

Since ECOpole also supports the future of science, young researchers were given space to present their work. In the competition section, they showcased their research through posters and short presentations. The winners received not only awards but also the attention of an international audience.

A Zoo Instead of a Laboratory? That’s Sustainability Too

The program also included a field trip to the Liberec Zoo, focusing on water resource management in visitor attractions. A demonstration that sustainability is not just a buzzword but concrete know-how with a real impact on everyday life.

ECOpole Is Growing – and Liberec Is Part of It

ECOpole has gradually developed into an international platform that has already hosted five Nobel Prize laureates. After this year’s successful edition in Liberec, it’s clear that the conference is on its way to becoming one of the most significant events in environmental research in Europe.

“Our goal is to make Liberec a place where science, industry, and the search for global solutions meet. The ECOpole conference is one of the steps contributing to that vision,” adds S. Wacławek.

The abstract book, photo gallery, and further information will soon be available on the website https://ecopole-conference.com/.