Call for Sessions

Call for Sessions for ICYMARE 2025 BREMERHAVEN is now open! Apply until January 15, 2025, with your topical session proposal

Call for Session Hosts

ICYMARE invites advanced (MSc or PhD) students – individually or in pairs – to propose sessions related to their marine research fields. We value interdisciplinarity and creativity, and the ICYMARE program team will gladly assist you in streamlining your ideas.

Becoming a session host is a stellar way to develop your organization and communication skills in a conference setting. At ICYMARE 2025 BREMERHAVEN, you’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow young researchers in a leading role while enhancing your CV with the ICYMARE session host certificate. We recognize the effort involved in this role, so both you and one invited speaker will have your conference fees waived.

As a session host, your responsibilities are two-fold. Before ICYMARE 2025 BREMERHAVEN, you:

  • Review abstracts submitted to your session and work with presenters-to-be to refine their contributions.
  • Invite a speaker for your sessions (optional, but a great chance to shape the content of your session).
  • Set a presenter schedule once abstracts are accepted and communicate any changes to the ICYMARE program team (e.g., if a presenter cancels).
  • Stay in touch with your presenters, check if they registered for ICYMARE 2025 BREMERHAVEN, and react early if you suspect any attendance issues.

During your session, you:

  • Introduce your speakers and their topics based on the CVs they provide during the application process.
  • Guide the flow of your session, ensure presenters adhere to the allocated time, and moderate the Q&A parts.
  • Fill in gaps should a presenter cancel once the program has been released. This might include an open Q&A session, discussion round, or pre-prepared presentation by yourself.
  • Work with your ICYMARE session support person to address technical or organizational issues during sessions and keep the ICYMARE program team updated on any last-minute changes.
MyICYMARE online conference tool

Session Host Workshops

Chairing a session at a scientific conference can be challenging, especially for first-timers! Don’t worry – everyone hosting a session will participate in mandatory online training workshops provided by us. The ICYMARE team will guide you through the timeline, from reviewing abstracts to troubleshooting tips and tricks. For pairs, we encourage both to attend. If only one can make it, the attending host must share all relevant information.

For ICYMARE 2025 BREMERHAVEN, the host workshop is split into two parts. The first will cover the abstract review process, providing the information you need for your first immediate task. The second will occur closer to the conference. There, you will learn everything you need to know to host a successful in-person session there.

Application Process

Applications are open now via the MyICYMARE online conference tool. Follow the steps outlined to submit your proposal by January 15, 2025, and indicate which online workshop session (first part, abstract review) you’ll join.

Please prepare the following documents to upload during your application:

  • A letter of motivation (max. one page) detailing your experience in the proposed topic and explaining why you are keen to be a session host.
  • Your most recent CV.

Being a session host is a gratifying experience and allows you to actively shape the scientific side of ICYMARE 2025 BREMERHAVEN. If you have any questions, please get in touch! And to stay updated on all things ICYMARE, please also subscribe to our newsletter and connect with us on social media.

Download Call for Sessions (PDF)