The theme of the congress is 'Advancing ecology and making it count'. This reflects the ambition of the BES to present world class ecology at a meeting that truly moves the science forward. The congress is the centre piece of the Society's Festival of Ecology centenary celebrations.

The congress programme will include 10 world class plenary speakers, symposia featuring major keynote lectures, submitted abstract sessions and extended poster slots. Other major features will be innovative ways for presenting and communicating science, and a programme structured so there are many opportunities to meet people. This congress will give delegates a new perspective on a wide range of ecological topics and help establish new collaborative partnerships.

Several symposia and workshops at the conference will have a 'long-term' focus,  including:

• 'International perspectives from long term research on ecosystem carbon budgets'
• 'Long term urban ecological studies: linking pattern, process and ecosystem services towards sustainable cities'
• 'Long term ecological research in Europe – From national initiatives to a continental network'
• 'Looking back to look forward: incorporating longer-term ecological processes and perspectives in conservation planning and management'