In April 2026, Dundee welcomed 797 delegates from 46 countries for the 37th European Cetacean Society Conference (ECS2026), bringing together marine mammal scientists, students, conservation practitioners, policymakers, regulators, NGOs, industry representatives and technology developers from across the globe.
Chaired by Dr Carol Sparling, Director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, and Mariel ten Doeschate, Lecturer in Veterinary Anatomy at the University of Glasgow and part of the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, the conference showcased the strength of Scotland's marine mammal science community while creating an environment that fostered collaboration, learning and professional connection.
Under the theme From Basics to Benefits: Connecting Research, Policy and Practice, ECS2026 explored the journey from foundational marine mammal science through to applied research that informs conservation, management and policy. The programme featured pre-conference workshops, plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, networking opportunities, social events and exhibitor engagement, creating space for delegates to exchange ideas, build relationships and strengthen international collaboration.
All ECS2026 images courtesy of Dylan Drummond, Son of the Sea.
Reflecting on the event's success, Dr Carol Sparling said:
"What made the conference so memorable was the way the science, the community and the destination came together. Delegates valued the quality of the programme, but they also remembered the warmth of the welcome, the waterfront setting, the Scottish music and ceilidh, and the opportunities to build connections outside the formal sessions."
"Dundee gave the conference a distinctive identity and created a strong sense of community across the week."
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