News Updates
-
Call for proposals for special sessions
We invite proposals for special sessions at the 13th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB XIII). Proposals spanning the breadth of marine bioinvasion research are welcome, but sessions that address understudied taxa or regions, encourage interdisciplinary thinking, address the human dimension of marine invasions or foster collaboration across regions are particularly encouraged. Note that special sessions must comprise at least six talks.
Each proposal should contain:
- Session title: a concise and informative title that captures the theme of the proposed session
- Session description: an overview of the topic to be covered and why it would be a good fit for ICMB XIII (300–400 words)
- Session lead(s): the name(s) and contact details of those proposing the session
Submit your proposal to icmb@marinebioinvasions.info by 13 November 2026
-
ICMB XIII goes to Cape Town, South Africa
-
ICMB XII Abstract Book Now Available!
We are excited to announce that the Abstract Book for the 12th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB XII) has just been launched!
This publication compiles cutting-edge research from scientists worldwide, covering topics such as invasion ecology, emerging pathways, detection tools, and the impacts of invasive species on marine ecosystems. It showcases the breadth and depth of work being done to understand and manage marine bioinvasions.
The Abstract Book is now freely accessible and can be downloaded here: ICMB XII Abstract Book.
We invite researchers, students, and practitioners to explore the abstracts, discover new insights, and celebrate the global community advancing marine bioinvasion science.
-
In memory of Emma Johnston (1973 – 2025)
The ICMB community is deeply saddened by the passing of Emma Johnston, an outstanding marine scientist, research leader, and cherished colleague.
Emma served on the ICMB Scientific Steering Committee, hosted ICMB-IX in Sydney (2016), and was a regular and enthusiastic contributor to the conference together with her students. Her scientific work spanned marine bioinvasions, the ecological impacts of human activities in marine environments, and Antarctic ecosystems, leaving a lasting and influential mark on our field.
Beyond her science, Emma was one of Australia’s most respected academic and research leaders, widely recognised for her service to science, policy, and education. Throughout her career, she held senior leadership roles across major institutions and was deeply engaged in bridging science, policy, and society.
Most importantly for many in our community, Emma was exceptionally generous with her time, encouragement, and mentorship, particularly towards early-career researchers. Her energy, humour, and optimism were contagious, and she had a rare ability to inspire others while opening doors and creating opportunities.
Emma’s loss will be felt widely across the global marine science and bioinvasions communities. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, not only through her achievements, but through the many people she supported, mentored, and inspired.
The ICMB community extends its deepest sympathies to Emma’s family, friends, colleagues, and students. She will be greatly missed.
Participants at ICMB-IX, Sydney (2016), hosted by Emma Johnston. Emma’s leadership, energy, and generosity helped make the meeting a defining moment for many in the ICMB community (Photo credit: Aria Lee)
-
Full Program Announced
The Scientific Steering Committee and the ICMB XII Local Organizing Committee are delighted to announce that the full program for the 12th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions is now available online.
We are looking forward to a fantastic meeting, with stimulating keynote speakers and contributed presentations on exciting new work from across our global marine bioinvasions community. Early-career scientists are well-represented, and we expect competition for student prizes to be fierce.
We hope you'll make the online program your companion throughout the conference. It's fully mobile-friendly, and will always have the most complete and up-to-date information. Search for authors and abstracts, bookmark your can't-miss sessions, and download customized schedules for viewing offline or printing.
We can't wait to see you at ICMB XII!
-
Registrations are now closed
Full-conference registration for ICMB XII closed on August 6, 2025.
We would like to thank all those who have registered for the upcoming International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions XII. Registrations are now officially closed.
This year's conference promises to bring together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to share the latest insights, research findings, and management strategies for addressing marine bioinvasions.
We look forward to welcoming you to the ICMB and to a productive and inspiring exchange of ideas.
For any queries related to your registration or participation, please contact the conference organisers at icmb@marinebioinvasions.info.
-
Reserve Conference Souvenirs
Pre-order your ICMB conference T-shirt now!
Celebrate your participation and cherish memories of Madeira Island with our exclusive souvenirs and t-shirts. To minimize leftover materials and promote sustainability, we're offering a T-shirt pre-order for the upcoming ICMB. For 20€, you'll get a great souvenir and help support the Judith A. Pederson & James T. Carlton Early-Career Scientist Travel Award. Let's reduce waste and lift up early-career researchers together.
In keeping with our environmental pledge, we will not have a large stock of conference souvenirs on hand during the conference. Instead, we invite registered attendees to place a pre-order reservation for any souvenirs you'd like to purchase. We'll have them ready and waiting for you at check-in.
Take a bit of ICMB XI home with you, and help support future conferences at the same time!
-
Abstract Submissions Are Closed
The Scientific Steering Committee and the ICMB XII Local Organizing Committee thank everyone who participated in call for abstracts. All abstract submissions are now closed. Reviews are underway, and participants can expect a decision soon.
We're looking forward to a fantastic conference! Look out for more news coming soon on field trip options and our program of contributed sessions. To stay in the know, sign up for our email list or follow us on social media.
-
Submission Deadlines Extended
Great news! Due to popular demand, the abstract submission deadline has been extended to May 18th – don't miss this opportunity to be part of ICMB XII and share your work with a global audience!
If you have already submitted an abstract or Travel Award application, thank you! There's one more thing you can do: share the news of this extension widely. Please help spread the word to colleagues, students, fellows, and anyone else interested in marine non-native species research and policy. With your help, we can make this the best ICMB yet!
-
Registration is Open
The Society for the Study of Marine Bioinvasions is delighted to invite you to join us in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal from October 6 to 9, 2025 for the 12th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions.
We are excited to reconnect in-person with old colleagues and welcome new ones, all while offering a stimulating and productive program of invited speakers, research talks, posters, special events and field trips. We hope to see you there!
Register Here!
Help us make this the best ICMB yet by sharing this announcement widely with collaborators, students, coworkers, fellows, and anyone interested in marine non-native species research, management and policy. You can also follow along on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Code of conduct
The SSMB has established a code of conduct to ensure that ICMB XI provides a safe, inclusive and engaging platform for all conference-goers. The code of conduct applies to everyone associated with the conference, including attendees, volunteers, staff, speakers, organizers, and local vendors and service providers.
