20th Biennial Conference ERB 2026

Overview

Small experimental catchments play a crucial role in education, providing unique, real-world environments where students can directly observe, measure, and interpret hydrological and ecohydrological processes. Through hands-on field experience, learners develop not only technical knowledge but also critical thinking, data literacy, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills that are essential for future water professionals. 

Although maintaining experimental catchments requires significant long-term investment in time, effort, and resources, their educational value is outstanding. They bridge the gap between theory and practice, support experiential learning, and foster a deeper understanding of how hydrological systems respond to natural variability and human pressures. 

The ERB conference “Importance of Small Experimental Catchments in Education” aims to bring together educators, researchers, and practitioners who use small experimental catchments as teaching and learning platforms. The conference provides a forum to exchange experiences, teaching methodologies, and innovative approaches, and to strengthen collaboration between education and research in catchment hydrology and ecohydrology. 

Conference themes

The conference will focus on the educational use of small experimental catchments, including but not limited to the following themes: 

• Small experimental catchments as platforms for research and education (linking scientific investigation with teaching and training activities) 

• Hydrological and ecohydrological monitoring in small catchments
  (including traditional and emerging measurement techniques) 

• Advances in hydrological and ecohydrological modelling
  (from process understanding to educational applications) 

• Hydrological and hydrometeorological extremes in small catchments
  (floods, droughts, and extremes as research and learning cases) 

• Erosion, sediment transport, and landscape processes
  (observations, modelling, and field-based experience) 

• Field experiments, unexpected behaviours, and lessons learned
  (including field work failures and uncertainty) 

• General research topics on catchments

The conference will take place in Baja, Hungary, at the Faculty of Water Sciences of the Ludovika University of Public Service. 

Baja is a charming riverside town in southern Hungary, located along the Danube River and close to the Danube–Drava National Park and in close proximity to the Gemenc floodplain, one of the largest and most valuable active floodplain areas in Central Europe. The town has a long tradition in water management, hydrology, and environmental engineering, making it a particularly suitable venue for a conference focusing on small experimental catchments and education. 

The conference will be hosted by the Faculty of Water Sciences, which provides modern teaching and conference facilities, well-equipped laboratories, and direct access to field-based educational and research sites.  
Baja is widely known for its distinctive fish soup (Baja-style halászlé), which is an integral part of the town’s cultural identity and culinary heritage. This strong gastronomic tradition is closely linked to the Danube and the surrounding floodplain landscape. 

In the week of the conference, the Baja Fish Soup Cooking Festival (Bajai Halászléfőző Fesztivál) will take place in the town. The festival begins on Thursday, while its main event is held on Saturday, when cooking fires are lit simultaneously across the city and thousands of cauldrons are used to prepare fish soup following local traditions. This unique occasion creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout Baja and offers visitors an authentic insight into local community life. 

If you wish to explore the surrounding area or take part in the vibrant programmes of the Fish Soup Cooking Festival and would like to request dormitory accommodation beyond the conference dates, please indicate your request by email at conf.erb2026@uni-nke.hu after completing your registration.

If you have any questions about your registration or accommodation, please contact the Conference Organisers.  

We look forward to seeing you at ERB 2026 conference!