UIS

Speleomíting 2026
2026-03-21 | Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia
We are pleased to announce and invite you to the annual caving conference, Speleomíting 2026, which will be held on March 21. 2026 in the Slovak Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology, (https://www.smopaj.sk/en) Školská 121/4, Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia.

Speleomíting is a small-scale event where cavers meet and share recent advancements in cave exploration, documentation, cave protection, and research, in a cozy, informal atmosphere. The official presenting language is Slovak, but contributions in Czech, English, and Polish are very welcome.

The deadline for submission of a talk is March 7th.

For more information, please visit https://sss.sk/page/2/ or reach out to sss.speleomiting@gmail.com.

IXth International Workshop on Ice Caves
2026-02-08 - 2026-02-14 | Scarisoara, Romania
Abstracts and registration
Participants wishing to present (oral or poster) are asked to submit a one page abstract by November 20, 2025. The abstract (free format) should include the usual suspects: title, authors, affiliations, and main text. Participation without presentation is possible, but registration is required.
Information required for registration:
1. Name, surname, affiliation
2. Title of presentation (if any)
3. Presentation preference (oral, poster, oral in cave)
4. Travel – means (car, plane, bus, train, submarine etc), arrival and departure dates
5. Accommodation type – single, double, triple
6. Dietary requirements
7. Other info one might find relevant
The steps for registering are as follows:
1. Submit the registration form and the abstract by email to Aurel Persoiu (aurel.persoiu@gmail.com)
2. Pay the registration fee
3. Buy garlic, silver and crosses – this is Transylvania.

National Cave & Karst Management Symposium
2025-10-06 - 2025-10-10 | Bristlecone Convention Center, 150 6th St, Ely, NV, United States
Cave and karst resource management spans a wide array of scientific and recreational disciplines. Across North America, responsible stewardship of these fragile ecosystems necessitates a broad-spectrum approach to both problems and solutions.
Since 1975, the National Cave & Karst Management Symposium has been the preeminent forum for promoting, advancing and sharing concepts in the effective management of cave and karst resources. Our conference is a gathering of inquisitive minds and passionate experts who share a common ethic for the responsible management of these rare environments.
Held every 2 years, our next symposium is set for October 6-10, 2025 in Ely, Nevada – the heart of the Great Basin. We hope you can join us!

18th European Cave Rescue Meeting
2025-09-25 - 2025-09-28 | Wojcieszów, Poland
The 18th European Cave Rescue Meeting is going to take place in Wojcieszow (Voy-che-shoov), Poland, September 25-28th 2025.
Pre ECRA Meeting: 24-25 September 2025.
This meeting is organized by the GOPR and GRJ on behalf of the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA).
During the Pre-Meeting you can enjoy caving, cave diving and visits to tourist destinations. We are preparing several interesting locations.
More information will be available soon. Please also visit website www.caverescue.eu for last minute changes or send an email on
info@caverescue.eu in case of any question.

International Day of Caves and Karst
2025-09-13
Join us and celebrate the International Day of Caves and Karst – IDCK!

This September 13th, we are thrilled to announce that the speleological community will celebrate the International Day of Caves and Karst for the first time. This unique event, approved by the UIS General Assembly during the 19th International Congress of Speleology in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, is a momentous occasion for all of us.
The International Day of Caves and Karst (IDCK) is a proposed UNESCO-recognised annual observance on September 13th, dedicated to raising global awareness of caves and karst landscapes. These environments, which provide vital resources and preserve unique biodiversity, have a profound impact on a global scale, including supplying drinking water for over a billion people. They also hold invaluable geological and cultural records, making them a treasure for humanity.
So, we invite you to join us and celebrate the wonderful world of caves and karst. Your participation, along with that of your organizations and countries, is crucial in making this event a success and in raising awareness about these unique environments.

19th International Congress of Speleology
2025-07-20 - 2025-07-27 | Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
The UIS hosts an International Congress of Speleology every four years, which is the world’s most significant gathering of cave and karst scientists, managers, educators, and explorers.
For preliminary information see volume 63-1 of the UIS Bulletin at http://uis-speleo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/uisb631.pdf

32nd International Karstological School
2025-06-16 - 2025-06-20 | Postojna, Slovenia
Climate changes and the unrestricted growth of population result in increasing frequency and intensity of extreme hydrological and climatic events in karst regions, posing significant threats to both people and the environment. The 32nd International Karstological School will focus on monitoring these extreme events and understanding their underlying mechanisms, while exploring strategies for early warning, prevention, and mitigation of their impacts. The program will examine how surface changes influence the karst subsurface and provide a platform to share experiences, challenges, and solutions in monitoring such events. Additionally, attention will be given to extreme events in geological past, with insights drawn from cave sediments and other cave or surface formations. Finally, discussions will address policies and measures aimed at reducing the impact of extreme events on karst environments and the communities that depend on them. Participants are encouraged to contribute by sharing their experiences, the challenges they have faced and the insights they have gained.
This year, the International Karstological School will host the yearly meeting of the Commission on Karst Hydrogeology of the International Association of Hydrogeologists. In addition, the traditional Young Karst Researcher Prize of the Karst Commission will be delivered at the conference closing ceremony Thursday 19.6. evening. This prize is intended to recognize the outstanding achievements of three young researchers in the field of karst hydrogeology.

Characterization and Engineering of Karst Aquifers (CEKA)
2025-05-19 - 2025-05-24 | Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
This international course includes theoretical lectures on the basic concepts of karsthydrogeology and a few practical demonstrations and field trips within theterritories of Dinaric karst. The course willbe organized by The Centre for Karst Hydrogeology of the University of Belgradeand Geological Survey of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, supportedby UNESCO-IHP and several other institutions. The course is open to all, but isespecially devoted to younger and talented karst researchers. Number ofparticipants is limited to 20.

Speleology in Authoritarian Regimes
2025-03-15 | Online Symposium
The UIS History of Speleology Commission, in collaboration with the German Speleological Federation (VdHK), is organizing an online symposium titled “Speleology in Authoritarian Regimes”. This event will explore the intersection of speleology (the study of caves and karst) and repressive government regimes, examining how authoritarian states have influenced and, in many cases, oppressed speleological activities and researchers.
This symposium is inspired by the legacy of Dr. Benno Wolf (1871-1943), a pioneering German speleologist whose life tragically ended due to the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. Dr. Wolf’s extensive work on a world cave catalogue and his significant private speleological library made him a prominent figure in the field. However, his achievements also made him a target for Nazi persecution. Arrested by the Gestapo in 1942, Wolf was deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where he died in January 1943 due to the brutal conditions. To honour Dr. Wolf’s contributions and to promote the values of scientific freedom and tolerance, the VdHK established the Dr. Benno Wolf Prize 30 years ago. This prize recognizes outstanding achievements in cave protection and research while also standing as a symbol against the suppression of scientific inquiry.
The upcoming symposium will delve into the various forms of repression that speleologists have faced under authoritarian regimes, including imprisonment, surveillance, and theft of valuable research. By examining these historical contexts, the event aims to shed light on the broader implications of state interference in scientific research and offer insights into the resilience of scientific communities under
duress. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how speleology has been targeted by authoritarian regimes in different countries and time periods, and to reflect on the the lessons that can be drawn for the future of scientific research in politically challenging environments.

Ixtaxochitla 2024 Spelological Project
2024-12-16 - 2025-01-04 | Ixtacxochitla, Ixtacxochitla, Puebla, Mexico
The Ixtaxochitla Speleological Project (IXSP) is scheduled to take place from December 16, 2024, to January 4, 2025, in the Sierra Negra Mountains, southern Mexico. The IXSP is organized by the Grupo Espeleológico Universitario (GEU) caving club, which is affiliated to the Asociación de Deportes de Montaña y Escalada de la UNAM (ADME-UNAM).
For several years, GEU has conducted expeditions near the community Ixtaxochitla in the Sierra Negra, discovering dozens of caves and documenting them. The caves in the Ixtaxochitla area have unique characteristics. They are shallow caves with extensive horizontal development. The water in this region comes from the Gulf of Mexico, and the annual rainfall exceeds 2700 mm. Most of the water in this area is underground due to the scarcity of surface rivers. The caves are predominantly active, with water flows throughout the year, even at higher altitudes, such as 2200 meters above sea level, with the highest summit reaching 3100 meters above sea level. Some caves are so active that getting through them can be difficult. Due to the sub-horizontal nature of the Ixtaxochitla caves, it is common to find connections between different caves, creating a complex three-dimensional underground network. The Ixtaxochitla region has karstic potential, and there are still many underground galleries yet to be discovered.
This project aims to explore and survey new caves in the Ixtacxochitla area, as well as, to try to connect explored caves. To improve our understanding of the karstic evolution of the region we want to include in our activities geological studies.
Specific objectives

The Ixtacxochitla caves are located at different altitudes. The two main groups of interest caves for the next campaign are at 1674 masl and 1916 masl. Our goal is to try to connect the caves on each level and if possible connect the group of caves on the two levels.
Perform the speleological survey at a 1:500 scale for new caves and unexplored passages.
Explore unknown leads that require climbing techniques to access.
Continue with the surface exploration to localize new entrances.
Push the exploration beyond the current terminus of the main caves.
Integration of a geological map and record of important geological structures of the Mexican Orogen such as faults, folds, and thrust, due to those can be related to the karst development.

All participants must require good Single Rope Technique skills (preferentially using European S.R.T.) due to most of the cave entrances are vertical. Also, it is necessary to know at least one self-rescue technique in case another teammate needs help. Participants with rigging experience, cave survey skills using TopoDroid app and DistoX2 device, and climbing ability will be appreciated. Collection of geological information such as stratigraphic, structural data, and cave morphology observations on the caves and surface will be done so we encourage geoscientists to join us. The campsite is located in a remote area only accessible by walking 2 hours from the nearest village.

9th US Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Workshop
2024-10-22 - 2024-10-24 | Nashville, Tennessee, USA
The purpose of the KIG workshops is to bring together scientists from different offices of the USGS, Department of the Interior, other Federal and state agencies, research institutes, and universities to present the results of scientific work in karst areas or discuss karst related programs in their bureaus or offices. Workshops usually consist of technical presentations and poster sessions.

17th European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA) Meeting
2024-09-19 - 2024-09-22 | Student center, Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 17th European Cave Rescue Meeting is going to take place in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina from September 19th till 22nd 2024.
Pre-Meeting from September 18th till 19th 2024.
This meeting is organized by the Association of Mountain Rescue Service in Bosnia and Herzegovina (GSSuBiH) on behalf of the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA).
During the Pre-Meeting you can enjoy caving, cave diving and visits to tourist destinations; we are preparing several interesting locations.
Please also visit the website www.caverescue.eu for last minute changes or send an email on info@caverescue.eu in case of any question.
Second circular is available at: https://caverescue.eu/news/17ecrm-second-circular/

Asian Trans-Disciplinary Karst 2024
2024-08-12 - 2024-08-15 | Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Karst Research Group, Faculty of Geography UGM in cooperation with Asian Union of Speleology cordially welcome you to join the Asian Trans-Disciplinary Karst 2024. This year, the Asian Trans-Disciplinary Karst will be held in two venues and areas: Special Region of Yogyakarta and Kalimantan Timur Province. With various series of events and programs, they offer many interesting activities: scientific conference, international expedition, competition, site visit, excursion, and many more! Find and explore your need through the website.

Grind 2024
2024-08-01 - 2024-09-22 | Avenul de sub Vârful Grind, Piatra Craiului Mountains, Romania
The annual exploration expedition in Avenul de sub Vârful Grind (“Grind Pit”) will take place from 7 to 22 September 2024 in Piatra Craiului Mountains, in the center of Romania. The exploration camp is organized by the Silex Brașov, Focul Viu București, and Avenul Brașov caving clubs. In the past years, other caving clubs in Romania and abroad have also been involved in the explorations.
The camp’s purpose is to continue the recent explorations in Avenul de sub Vârful Grind (Pit)—the deepest cave in Romania, with a depth of -800 m. The 2023 camp opened the way beyond the siphon at -775 m, and this year, one of the main objectives is to prepare a safe passage in the siphon area and then explore beyond the current terminus!
Avenul de sub Vârful Grind has its entrance located at an altitude of 1922 m a.s.l., on the eastern slope of the mountain’s saw-like limestone main ridge, near Grindului Valley. The entrance is located below the ridge, on one of the Hornurile Grindului steep valleys.
Being part of an underground team requires good S.R.T. skills (preferentially using European S.R.T.) as almost the entire cave is vertical and is traversed on ropes. In short, the cave’s lower half is a difficult exploration/traverse. You will participate in work/exploration trips at various points in the cave for the objectives listed below. Details of the extended/detailed list of objectives and the possibilities of participating in certain objectives can be discussed with the organizers depending on personal experience/skills and the exploratory/organizational context of the camp.
Objectives:

Reactivation of the drainage system in the sump/siphon at -775 m and draining of the sump (or lowering the water level); technical work for enlarging the narrow part of the siphon so we can pass through aired space with no neoprene/water protection equipment in the next parts
Exploration beyond the current terminus by enlarging the restriction point at -800 m and hopefully exploring new verticals
Climbing a small waterfall wall at -400 m (side gallery with a tributary stream that leads to a parallel section, going up)
Carrying out crossings/traverses and climbs in the Walter Gutt Shaft (at -500 m) and advancing on possible upward continuations
Exploration of some lateral narrow leads below -600 m
Enlarging a narrow fracture in order to find an alternative route to bypass a dangerous breccia plug area at -555 m (under the bivouac -540 m)
Conducting geomorphological observations and structural measurements
Photo/video documentation
Rigging the cave with cave-rescue anchors

National Speleological Society Convention
2024-07-01 - 2024-07-05 | Sewanee, Tennessee, USA
Join us in Sewanee, Tennessee for the 2024 NSS Convention. Held on the campus of St. Andrews-Sewanee School, 2024 marks a return to one of the premier caving areas in the United States.

Man and Karst 2024
2024-06-24 - 2024-06-29 | Ragusa, Italy, Ragusa, Italy
Encouraged by the appreciated events, organized in 2019 in Ragusa and in Custonaci in 2022, which saw the presence of numerous participants, such as university professors and researches from prestigious universities, speleologists, hikers and nature enthusiasts, in the context of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the CIRS – Hyblean Center of Speleo-Hydrogeological Research, the third edition of Man and Karst in Sicily is organized and will take place in Ragusa (Sicily) from 24 to 29 June 2024.
In the magical historical location of Ragusa, chief town of the southernmost province of Italy, as well as Tunis, the Hyblean foreland in the center of the Mediterranean, as if to underline its geological belonging to the northernmost sector of the African platform; UNESCO world heritage site for its splendid baroque, enclosed between two fluviokarst valleys, in this fascinating historical-geographical context we will return to discuss of Man and his relationship with the Karst, to share and enrich ourselves with new research experiences, to review old friends and making new ones.

And taking advantage of this geographical centrality, how could we not explore, from 24 to 29 June, some of the most interesting karst contexts of this extreme south-eastern sector of Sicily, and not only by looking, with the excursions proposed by us, in the hyblean fluviokarst canyons, then to the west fascinating landscape scenery of the evaporite basin of central-southern Sicily with its gypsum caves, and northwards on the slopes of the highest active volcano in Europe with its lava tubes.
Man and Karst 2024 in Sicily, in the same way as the previous past editions, wants to give a contribution to the knowledge, enhancement and safeguard of the karst landscape and caves with their ecosystems and historical-anthropological resources as a whole, as an instrument and optimal function of scientific research, not as often for its own sake or for the sake of a few users, but rather, at the service and for the benefit of the whole community.
For more information contact Dr. Rosario Ruggieri PhD
Cell: +39 3519863290
info@cirs-ragusa.org

31st International Karstological School »Classical Karst«
2024-06-17 - 2024-06-21 | Postojna, Slovenia
Dear colleagues!
You are cordially invited to participate at 31st International Karstological School »Classical Karst«: Data Acquisition and Analysis in Karst Systems, which will take place from the 17th to 21st June 2024 in Postojna, Slovenia.
The registration and abstract submission form will open in early February. More information will be available soon, and in a few days you can also find it at https://iks.zrc-sazu.si/en/
The 31st IKS will delve into the pivotal theme of data: its acquisition, processing and interpretation. Therefore, we invite participants to share their experiences in characterizing karst environments, elucidate the challenges they have encountered and present their inventive solutions.

Eurokarst
2024-06-10 - 2024-06-14 | Rome, Italy
Eurokarst is the European bi-annual conference on the Hydrogeology of Karst and Carbonate Reservoirs.
The next Eurokarst will be held in Rome, June 10-14, 2024.

14th International Cave Rescue Conference (ICRC)
2024-06-06 - 2024-06-09 | Ramales de la Victoria, Spain
The 14th International Cave Rescue Conference is going to take place in Ramales de la Victoria, Alto Asón, Cantabria / Spain from 6th to 9th June 2024.

17th Balkan Cavers' Camp
2024-05-29 - 2024-06-02 | Center of Excellence Cerovac Caves, Grab 70a, 23440, Gračac, Gračac, Croatia (Local Name: Hrvatska)
Join us from May 29th to June 2nd for the Balkan Cavers Camp 2024! The official program starts on the 30th of May. The camp will take place in Croatia at the Cerovacke Caves. Cerovacke Caves are the largest tourist cave complex in Croatia and are located on the hillside of southern Velebit, on the northeastern slope of the Crnopac hill , in the protected area of ​​the Velebit Nature Park. The nearest town is Gračac, 4 km away.
Since its inception in 2007, the Balkan Speleological Union has been proudly hosting this annual event in different countries across the Balkan Peninsula. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce some exciting new elements to our program. Alongside the chance to visit and explore some of the most breathtaking caves, we are launching a series of workshops on cave survey, navigation apps, LiDAR, new technologies and tools, cave science etc. These sessions, led by experts from various countries, aim to broaden the scope of cave exploration techniques and enhance your skill set.
Moreover, we are organising panel discussions on cave polution and cave cadastre, providing a platform for in-depth dialogue and knowledge sharing among the caving community. But that’s not all – they have many more surprises in store! These additional features are designed to enrich your experience and ensure that the Balkan Cavers Camp 2024 is an unforgettable event. Our vision is not just to explore the depths of the earth, but also to forge lasting bonds among cavers and speleological organisations from the Balkan region and the world over, so join us on “Journey Beneath, Bond Beyond”
The registration will be open until May 12th so you better hurry up and fill out the form: https://forms.gle/AX3h35Ux8aJFevCm7

Karst and Caves 2024
2024-05-28 - 2024-06-01
All-Russian Scientific Conference with international participants. This Conference will discuss the problems and achievements karst and speleology in the first quarter of the XXI century.
More information: http://uis-speleo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Karst_and_caves-2024-information.pdf

Characterization and Engineering of Karst Aquifers
2024-05-26 - 2024-06-01 | Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The international course Characterization and Engineering of Karst Aquifers – CEKA will be held in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina from May 26 to June 1, 2024. Preliminary application form for CEKA 2024 can be found at the links below. Number of participants is limited.
Preliminary application form

10th International Workshop on Ice Caves (IWIC-X)
2024-05-12 - 2024-05-18 | Werfenweng, Austria
The 10th International Workshop on Ice Caves (IWIC-X) will be held in Werfenweng, Austria, from May 12 to 18, 2024. The venue will be in the charming village of Werfenweng, located some 40 km south of the city of Salzburg.

Astrobiology Science Conference
2024-05-05 - 2024-05-10 | Providence, Rhode Island, USA
The Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) brings the astrobiology community together every two years to share research, collaborate, and plan for the future. Join the astrobiology community for a robust gathering of scientists and exchange of knowledge. #AbSciCon24 will be held in Providence, RI on 5-10 May 2024.

6th Rocky Mountain Geobiology Symposium
2024-04-20 | Socorro, New Mexico, USA
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Devan Nisson
Dr. Magdalena Osburn
Dr. Morgan Raven

21st International Symposium on Vulcanospeleology
2024-04-10 - 2024-04-20 | Galapagos, Ecuador
21st International Symposium on Vulcanospeleology (ISV21)
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island Galapagos, Ecuador
Pre Symposium 10th – 13th, Symposium 15th – 20th April 2024
Preliminary Information – PDF
Please contact Aaron Addison (aaddison67@gmail.com) with any questions.

National Cave and Karst Management Symposium
2023-11-06 - 2023-11-10 | Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
The National Cave & Karst Management Symposium is the preeminent forum for promoting, advancing and sharing concepts in effective management of cave and karst resources. These biennial symposia provide an opportunity for practical synergy among cave and karst management professionals from diverse backgrounds, working in various professions and with interests spanning a broad range of cave and karst management issues. New techniques are discussed, issues addressed, solutions developed and effective working relationships formed to help protect and conserve caves, karst, cave ecosystems and water resources.

CaveMAB Network: Sustainable Tourism Solutions in Cave and Karst Biosphere Reserves
2023-11-06 - 2023-11-07 | online
We announce that the CaveMAB Network will be hosting a free, international webinar, Sustainable Tourism Solutions in Cave and Karst Biosphere Reserves, on November 6-7 2023.
The webinar will be held in recognition of the UNESCO International Day of Biosphere Reserves as we take “inspiration from of the solutions already implemented in BRs to build genuinely sustainable development everywhere, with full respect for nature and for the living world.”
Keynote speakers include Dr. Natasa Ravbar, Senior Research Associate, Karst Research Institute of Slovenia, (https://izrkp.zrc-sazu.si/en/sodelavci/natasa-ravbar-en), Dr. Kelly Cerialo, Professor, Paul Smiths College, Champlain Adirondacks Biosphere Network, USA (https://www.paulsmiths.edu/people/cerialo/) and Dr. Heros Lobo, Associated Professor at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil and Associate Director (2022-2026) of the International Show Caves Association (ISCA).
We invite you to share sustainable tourism solutions that have been implemented at your BR. For those interested we ask you to submit a brief abstract in English (150 words maximum) to cavemab@protonmail.com.

La Union Mexicana De Agrupaciones Espeleologicas
2023-11-03 - 2023-11-05 | San Luis Potosi, Mexico
The Objective of the Mexican National Congress of Speleology is:
Bring together expert cavers, professionals and enthusiasts of related activities, to share knowledge, experiences and discoveries in the fascinating world of caves.

Cave Research Foundation Annual Meeting
2023-11-03 - 2023-11-04 | National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA
