International Online Scientific Conference · May 8, 2026

Leeches: Role in Biodiversity,
Ecological Functions & Medical‑Zoological
Significance

A gathering of the world's leading researchers in annelid biology, freshwater ecology, and biomedical science.

Date May 8, 2026
Format Fully Online
Platform Zoom
Language English

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About the Conference

Conference Scope

The conference aims to produce scientifically validated and integrative knowledge on the role of medicinal leeches (genus Hirudo) in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem processes, with a particular emphasis on their geographical distribution, spatial ecology, and environmental interactions. This scientific forum will provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary platform that combines zoology, medical biology, ecology, biogeography, environmental sciences, and geoinformatics.

Conference date May 8, 2026
Duration 1 Full Day
Format Fully Online
Platform Zoom
Expected participants 250
Submissions open Abstract/Full paper
Registration Free of charge
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Scientific Programme

Main Themes

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Biodiversity & Conservation

Biodiversity assessment and conservation importance of medicinal leeches (Hirudo spp.) across natural habitats.

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Ecological Functions

Ecological functions and ecosystem-level interactions of leeches in freshwater and terrestrial environments.

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Geographical Distribution

Geographical distribution, biogeography, and habitat analysis across global and regional scales.

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Medical & Zoological Significance

Medical and zoological significance including hirudotherapy, bioactive compounds, and clinical applications.

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Environmental Change & Adaptation

Environmental change impacts on leech populations and their adaptive responses to shifting ecosystems.

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Conservation Strategies

Conservation strategies and sustainable management practices for medicinal and ecological leech species.

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Plant–Leech Interactions

Plant–leech interactions in aquatic ecosystems — habitat dependencies, refugia, and trophic relationships.

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Scientific Committee

Organizers

AR SEM Ganja Bioresources Institute
Firat University
AR SEM Ganja Ecology and Natural Resources Institute
International Eco Energy Academy
AR SEM Ganja Agrarian Problems Institute
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To be announced
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Invited Speakers

Participants

Prof. Roberto Ferri
Prof. Roberto Ferri
Keynote Speaker
University of Bologna · Ecology & Systematics
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To be announced
Speaker
Institution · Country
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Open Registration
Participant
Register to join the conference
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Infrastructure & Support

Technical Department

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Streaming & Broadcast
Live Production
Management of Zoom sessions, live streaming setup, recording, and real-time technical support.
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Web & Digital
Online Infrastructure
Website maintenance, registration platform, abstract submission system, and digital communications.
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Security & Access
Event Security
Participant authentication, secure meeting links, access control, and anti-disruption protocols.
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Data & Archives
Documentation
Session recordings, abstract archive, post-conference proceedings preparation and distribution.
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Volunteer Position
Technical Support
We are looking for volunteers to join the technical team. Get in touch!
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Partners & Supporters

Collaborators

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University,
Rize, Türkiye
Riau University,
Pekanbaru, Indonesia
Tunis El Manar University,
Tunis, Tunisia
Universidad Complutense de Madrid,
Spain
Research İnstitute of Fruit and Tea Growing
Guba, Azerbaijan
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi,
Romania
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Become a Partner
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May 8, 2026 · UTC+0

Programme Overview

09:00 Opening Ceremony & Welcome Address Keynote
09:30 Keynote Lecture: Global Diversity of Hirudinea Keynote
10:30 Session I — Biodiversity & Taxonomy Session
12:00 Lunch Break & Networking Break
13:00 Session II — Ecological Functions & Conservation Session
14:30 Session III — Medical-Zoological Significance Session
16:00 Session IV — Geographical Distribution Session
17:30 Panel Discussion & Closing Remarks Keynote

Reserve Your Spot

Join researchers from around the world for a day of discovery.

Register Now Submit Abstract