Starting in early 2026, ILTER will be conducting a global activity to showcase its extensive collaboration and impact. This activity will focus on plant functional traits or other topics, with the aim of creating a simple yet standardised and meaningful dataset. This activity will encourage broad participation among ILTER sites and increase the added value of the network.

A call will be issued for proposals from teams to provide operational support for the project. The selected team(s) will collaborate with ILTER to design the activity, prepare training materials and standards for participating sites, and conduct tests prior to implementation. During the activity, they will liaise with the sites, handle incoming data and promote the visibility of the activity's results via ILTER infrastructure.

ILTER OSMs are vibrant gatherings that showcase the very best of long-term ecological research from around the globe. These events bring together scientists, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange insights on ecosystem trends, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable land use, among other topics.
In addition to the rich scientific program, ILTER OSMs offer unforgettable field trips to extraordinary ecosystems—like the upcoming meeting in breathtaking Patagonia, where participants can experience first-hand the landscapes that inspire and inform long-term ecological research.
Moreover, this event is specifically designed to elevate the America Ecological Network, promote the science of Ecology in the South American region, and to improve ILTER representativeness in the Americas and in the Global South.
It will most likely be held in March 7-12, 2027. Once the date has been confirmed, this page will be updated. 

The third ILTER Open Science Meeting has included a full range of academic sessions, plenary lectures, social events and field trips within the beautiful Xishuangbanna area in south China. The event has provided a unique opportunit to exchange knowledger regarding the latest developents in long term ecosystem research and related fields, and to network with colleagues from around the world.
For all details regarding the event, lease visit the conference website where you can also download the conference manual. The next OSM is scheduled for Fall 2026.