The IAVCEI Volcandpark 2026 Conference successfully held in Sopron

Between 26 and 29 May 2026, the prestigious IAVCEI (International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior) Volcandpark 2026 conference was held in Sopron, at the HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (https://volcandpark2026.epss.hu/). The event was the official meeting of the IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Geoheritage and Protected Volcanic Landscapes, bringing together more than 50 researchers, professionals directly or indirectly involved with geoparks, educators, and experts in geological heritage conservation. Participants came from the United States to Japan, as well as from Europe and the Middle East, also highlighting local challenges related to geological heritage protection in their respective regions.

The conference focused on a holistic approach to volcanic geoheritage, emphasizing its scientific, educational, and social significance, as well as the interactions among these dimensions. The presentations and professional discussions addressed topics such as the geoheritage assessment of volcanic landscapes, geodiversity, geoconservation, the role of geoparks, geoeducation, geotourism, and the communication of volcanic hazards. The program also included a roundtable discussion on the future, challenges, and publication opportunities of volcanic geoheritage research.

A highlight of the event was the field program on 27 May, followed by a gala dinner with wine tasting in the Little Hungarian Plain Volcanic Field. Participants visited the Kemenes Volcano Park in Celldömölk and then studied the internal structure and volcanic geoheritage significance of a monogenetic volcano in the former quarry of Ság Hill.

The post-conference field day focused on the volcanic landscapes of the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, including stops at Tihany, Szentbékkálla, Hegyestű, and Szent György Hill. The program provided an excellent opportunity to connect scientific research, geoconservation, geopark management, geoeducation, and geotourism.

IAVCEI Volcandpark 2026 successfully continued the tradition of previous conferences and contributed to strengthening international cooperation among the volcanological, geological heritage, geopark, and geotourism communities. The event also drew attention to the outstanding research, educational, and geotourism value of Hungary’s volcanic landscapes.

The professional materials associated with the event, edited by Mátyás Hencz and Károly Németh, are available online on the conference website, with the Abstract Volume available here and the Field Guide available here.