(Photo: IAEA)
Abstract submissions are now open for the IAEA's 17th International Symposium on Isotope Hydrology, which will take place from 10 to 14 May 2027 at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria. With the theme "Shaping the Future of Water : Tracers to Trends," the symposium will bring together scientists, water-resource managers, policymakers and practitioners from around the world to share the latest advances, practical applications and emerging research directions in isotope hydrology. Abstracts may be submitted until 18 September 2026.
The Symposium: A Long History of Advancing Isotope Hydrology
Held every four years, the International Symposium on Isotope Hydrology is the IAEA's flagship event in the field, providing a global forum for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration and exploring innovations in water science. The 2027 symposium will continue this long-standing tradition by offering participants an opportunity to review scientific progress, discuss practical applications and identify future research priorities.
The IAEA houses one of the world's leading isotope hydrology laboratories at its Vienna headquarters, where scientists generate and curate the data behind global monitoring networks such as the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation , helping Member States assess and manage their water resources.
Reflecting on the importance of the symposium series, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said at the 2023 symposium that the event provides an opportunity to share knowledge and identify actionable solutions to the critical challenge of sustainable water management. The 2023 symposium brought together more than 300 participants from 90 countries to exchange expertise and experiences on the use of isotope techniques in hydrological research and water-resource management.
"Building on the momentum of the 70th anniversary of the IAEA, the 2027 symposium will explore how isotope hydrology continues to enhance our understanding of the water cycle and support evidence-based decision-making," said Tzanka Kokalova Wheldon, Director of the IAEA Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences.
"Isotope techniques play a vital role in groundwater assessment, water-resource management and the study of hydrological variability. Their applications are also expanding into areas such as ecosystem and wildlife research, environmental monitoring, food-source traceability and broader sustainability studies," said Jodie Miller, Head of the IAEA Isotope Hydrology Section.
The symposium will provide a valuable platform for presenting cutting-edge research, sharing operational experience, strengthening international partnerships and identifying innovative solutions to address growing global water challenges. Researchers, practitioners and institutions are invited to submit abstracts by 18 September 2026 and contribute to shaping the future of isotope hydrology and sustainable water management.
Topics and Submission Requirements
Contributors interested in submitting papers are invited to submit abstracts on the following topics :
- Low-Level Tritium Revival : High-Resolution Tracing of Recharge, Young Water Fractions, and Atmospheric Moisture Pathways
- Cryosphere and High-Mountain Hydrology: Isotope Tools for Meltwater, Thaw, and Glacier Retreat
- Atmospheric-Hydrologic Coupling: Using Isotope-Enabled Models
- Isotopes in Water Quality
- Isotope Hydrology in Mining and Hydrothermal Water Exploitation : Tracing Impacts, Managing Water, and Supporting Closure
- Quantification of Groundwater Age and Transit Times
- Groundwater and Surface-Water Systems: Improving Understanding of Their Interactions
- Analytical Innovations and Next-Generation Tracers: Methods and Applications
- Data Management and FAIR Isotope Hydrology: Standards, Metadata, Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC), and Data Reuse
- AI and Machine Learning in Isotope Hydrology: From Interpretation to Prediction
- Building the Future : Capacity, Collaboration, and Global Impact
Synopses should contain a minimum of 300 words and be a maximum of two pages, including embedded figures, tables and references. Submissions must be made electronically through the IAEA Indico system in Microsoft Word format. Please note that PDF submissions and submissions by email will not be accepted.
Participants must also register through the IAEA InTouch+ platform and be designated by an IAEA Member State or an invited organization.
