OTTERS Project Conference
Waves of Change
Changing hearts and minds through citizen science
May 23-24, 2025
Oeiras, Portugal
DEADLINE: March 21, 2025
Please Note: This conference is organised by OTTERS Project. This event is free to attend and open to all, but pre-registration is required. By registering, you agree that your contribution can be recorded and made available online and that the OTTERS can send you notifications.
OTTERS Conference: Waves of Change
Join the conference that will highlight how to bridge Education, Science and Civic Engagement through Citizen Science
The OTTERS Conference: Waves of Change aims to build bridges between citizen science, education and civic engagement and bring togetherrelevant actors in all these fields.
The conference will bring current Citizen Science research and initiatives into light and highlight the OTTERS project’s contribution to the field over the past three years. Through oral presentations, workshops, posters and demonstrations, the conference will showcase innovative strategies to promote citizen science and water literacy, to engage communities, build capacity in education and scale up impactful initiatives.
Join the conference to explore and showcase how Citizen Science can drive societal transformation and ensure the sustainability of our aquatic ecosystems!

What to expect?
- Immersive workshops, oral presentations, and posters to deepen your knowledge and
skills in Citizen Science - Networking opportunities with global experts and institutions shaping the future of research and education
- A vibrant learning environment with access to the latest tools and methodologies
The conference will be hosted by NUCLIO in collaboration with the Oeiras Science Festival, in Tagus Park, in partnership with Oeiras Valley and Penguin Random House editorial group. The festival will gather science, technology and education partners in a large scale fair.
Besides the OTTERS Conference participants, on the 23rd, the festival will welcome upper secondary students (10th to 12th grade) from schools in the Oeiras Municipality. These students will have the opportunity to attend the OTTERS oral presentations and explore the stands and exhibitions. On the 24th, the festival will open its doors to the general public, inviting people of all ages to explore the presentations, stands and exhibitions, and engage with the innovative projects and initiatives showcased at the OTTERS Conference.
Keynote Speakers
The keynote speakers will be announced soon.
Conference Program
A conference program will be available soon.
Conference Features
A number of categories will be included in the conference, including oral presentations, workshops, poster sessions, and exhibitions. All conference activities will be conducted in English.
Click here to submit the type of activity you want to participate in.
Submission Categories for the OTTERS Conference
The OTTERS Conference provides an exciting platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing innovative ideas, and fostering collaboration in citizen science for marine and freshwater stewardship. Participants are invited to submit their work in one (or more) of the following categories:
*Please note the conference will be held entirely in English.

1. Oral Presentation
Share your work through a concise and engaging oral presentation. You can choose to use a slide to support your talk or present without one.
Requirements:
- Prepare your presentation in PowerPoint or PDF format.
- Ensure your presentation is clear, focused, and ready to captivate your audience in a short time frame.
- You can find the abstract template here and the presentation template here.
2. Poster
Format: A0 size, portrait orientation
Present your work visually with a poster that will be displayed during the conference. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with other participants.
Requirements:
- Posters must be printed in advance and brought to the conference. On-site printing is not available.
- You can find the abstract template here.
- You can find an example poster template here.
If your abstract is accepted and you’d like us to print your poster, please send the final version in PDF format to otters-conference@nuclio.org by May 7th.
3. Workshop
Duration: 90 minutes
Workshops offer an interactive format where participants collaboratively learn, create and/or develop something new. This is an excellent opportunity to engage your audience in hands-on activities or brainstorming sessions.
Requirements:
- Bring any materials or equipment you need for your workshop.
- If using a laptop, ensure you have the necessary adapters (e.g., for Apple devices) to connect to the projector.
You can find the abstract template here.
4. Stand/Booth
A stand or booth allows you to showcase your work, engage directly with attendees, and share resources or materials.
Requirements:
- Bring your own laptop and any additional materials required for your display.
- Ensure your setup is visually appealing and informative to attract visitors.
We look forward to your submissions and can’t wait to see how you contribute to the vibrant discussions and collaborations at the OTTERS Conference!
Submissions are open until March 21, 2025. Don’t miss it!
For any questions or additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at otters-conference@nuclio.org.

This project has received funding from the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Actions programme under grant agreement No. 101094041. The information and views presented on this website are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Commission.