In a first-of-its-kind event for the eLTER community (European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological Research), over 350 scientists from across Europe and beyond gathered from 23-27 June 2025 in Tampere, Finland to rethink how we study and protect the planet. The eLTER Science Conference 2025, hosted by the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Infrastructure (eLTER RI), broke new ground by uniting disciplines—from ecology to atmospheric physics to social science—under one roof. Its central message? To tackle today’s environmental crises, we must shift from fragmented studies to a truly whole-system approach to ecosystem science.

At the heart of the event was the full presentation of WAILS—a bold new concept for unifying in-situ research across the Earth’s life-support systems. Scientists explored how long-term observations, digital integration, and transdisciplinary collaboration can reveal the links between climate, biodiversity, soil, and human activity. The conference was also a model for sustainable event design, from vegan menus to forest restoration offsets.

With its mix of scientific insight, hands-on research stations visits, and even artistic performances that brought data to life, the conference didn’t just call for change—it embodied it. As Europe prepares to formalise eLTER as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), this event signaled a strong, united step toward a more integrated, responsive form of environmental science.