From September 16 to 18, 2025, the Romanian city of Timișoara hosted the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) Regional Conference on Geomorphology 2025. This important event was organised by the Romanian Association of Geomorphologists, in cooperation with the West University of Timișoara, where the conference was held, and other Romanian academic institutions.
The conference motto, “Geomorphology for society: challenges and opportunities,” captured the growing role of geomorphology in efforts to better understand current global challenges—climate change and human impact on the environment—and emphasised the need for effective communication of scientific knowledge to the public. These goals were successfully met thanks to 250 participants from 33 countries, who presented their research findings in 20 thematic sessions, through 135 oral presentations and nearly 100 posters.
The conference covered a wide range of geomorphological research topics, in particular geomorphological hazards and the effects of extreme natural processes, geomorphological research in coastal areas, periglacial and glacial processes, soil degradation and slope processes, research on river systems and sediment connectivity, as well as the protection and promotion of geodiversity.
Key plenary lectures addressed the sustainability of sensitive river delta ecosystems (Edward Anthony, Aix-Marseille University), the impact of gully erosion in a changing world (Matthias Vanmaercke, KU Leuven), the periglacial evolution of the relief of the Romanian Carpathians (Petru Urdea, West University of Timișoara), as well as geomorphological mapping and promotion of the world geoheritage (Irene Maria Bollati, University of Milan).
The Institute of Geography of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (as the only participating institution from Slovakia) was well represented:
- Miloš Rusnák presented the latest research results on the interactions between large wood and river channels identified through remote sensing, and also addressed the spatio-temporal transformation of gravel beds in meandering rivers (co-author Ashraf MD)
- Lukáš Michaleje presented a study on the assessment of seasonal flood hazard
- Hamid Afzali focused on the dynamics of riparian vegetation
- Soheyl Moradi examined the response of flood events to different habitat types
- Akhtar Zeb Khan, in collaboration with Anna Kidová, discussed how the geomorphic adjustment of fluvial systems to regulation works
- Marián Jančovič examined flood risk from the perspective of environmental injustice in the context of research on segregated Roma communities in Slovakia
- Within the section dedicated to tectonic geomorphology, Ján Novotný in cooperation with Roberta Prokešová presented a paper focused on the analysis of the mobility of the Hron River Drainage Divides
- Anna Chrobak-Žuffová presented two contributions highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of the SubTatra region and the state of Wisconsin (USA).
The scientific program was complemented by a rich social component. The gala evening took place at Romania’s largest winery, Cramele Recaș. The picturesque setting of the vineyards and tasting of local wines created a pleasant atmosphere for strengthening relationships among geomorphologists from around the world and establishing new professional and friendly contacts.
After the conference, participants had the opportunity to join a several-day scientific excursion in southwestern Romania. The route led through many attractive locations, including the breakthrough valley of the Danube River, the Iron Gates, the Transalpina mountain road in the Parâng Mountains, and the Hațeg Geopark, known for its endemic species of dwarf dinosaurs.
Author: Ján Novotný, Hamid Afzali
