The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of ICOS becoming a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). This milestone celebrates the establishment of ICOS ERIC in November 2015, when the European Commission granted the status after many years of preparatory work.
ICOS provides high-quality data on greenhouse gas concentrations and carbon fluxes between the atmosphere, land and oceans, forming an essential foundation for climate science and for actions to mitigate climate change. Over the past decade, ICOS has grown into a strong community of researchers, station networks and facilities, supported by contributions from member countries and the European Commission.
To celebrate this milestone, a week of anniversary events will take place from 25th to 27th November 2025 at the University of Helsinki Main Building, Fabianinkatu 33, 00170 Helsinki, Finland.
Registration is mandatory for all events in the ICOS 10 programme. Please RSVP by 9th November 2025: https://www.icos-cp.eu/news-and-events/ICOS-10/registration
Programme Overview
Tuesday 25th November – Info Day
The anniversary events begin with an Info Day, traditionally held before the General Assembly (GA) for the GA delegates. This year, for the first time, it will be open to the wider ICOS community, including General Assembly members, Monitoring Station Assemblies (Atmosphere, Ocean and Ecosystem), Focal Points, Principal Investigators and Central Facilities’ staff.
The day will summarise “where we are” and “where we are excellent”, acknowledging the community effort behind ICOS’s achievements over the past ten years and highlighting the unique strengths of the ICOS community. Discussions will also look ahead to future developments. The day will conclude with an Info Day Dinner, which is open to General Assembly delegates and all members of the ICOS community.
When & where: 25th November, 9:00-17:00 at University of Helsinki Main Building
For whom: General Assembly members, Monitoring Station Assemblies (Atmosphere, Ocean and Ecosystem), Focal Points, Principal Investigators and Central Facilities’ staff.
Wednesday 26th November – GA and MSA Meetings, followed by Evening Reception
On Wednesday, the ICOS General Assembly and the three Measurement Station Assemblies (Atmosphere, Ocean and Ecosystem) will convene at the same location for the first time, alongside meetings of other ICOS bodies. A “Super MSA” session will bring all three domains together. In the evening, the community will come together for an Evening Reception to celebrate the 10-year anniversary. The event will highlight ICOS’s scientific journey, community memories and special moments, and will include music, a cocktail reception and a buffet dinner, followed by an optional party with live music or a DJ.
When & where: 26th November, 9:00-17:00 at University of Helsinki Main Building
For whom: General Assembly members, Monitoring Station Assemblies (Atmosphere, Ocean and Ecosystem), Focal Points, Principal Investigators and Central Facilities’ staff.
Thursday 27th November – Anniversary Seminar
The week will conclude with an Anniversary Seminar, a high-level academic event bringing together ICOS scientists, international stakeholders, funding organisations, political representatives, and colleagues from other Research Infrastructures. The seminar will reflect on ICOS’s first decade, acknowledge the contributions of the entire community, and outline future perspectives. The programme will include scientific presentations, greetings from high-level figures, video messages from ministers of member countries, and music. The Anniversary Seminar is open to the public.
When & where: 27th November, 9:00-14:00 at University of Helsinki Main Building
For whom: Invited guests, General Assembly members, Monitoring Station Assemblies (Atmosphere, Ocean and Ecosystem), Focal Points, Principal Investigators and Central Facilities’ staff, and the general public.
Additional Information
- Location: University of Helsinki Main Building, Fabianinkatu 33, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
- Daily schedule:
- 25th-26th November: approximately 09:00–17:00
- 27th November: 09:00–14:00
- Station visits: There will be an opportunity to visit selected ICOS Finland stations at Hyytiälä and Tvärminne on Thursday and Friday. The excursions will be overnight visits, costing around 100-120€ per person (at your own cost). Please indicate your interest when you RSVP.
- Further details: A detailed programme of the Anniversary Seminar will be published on this page at a later date. More information on the Info Day, MSAs and the General Assembly will be shared with relevant groups via email, following the usual channels.
Photo: Veikko Somerpuro, University of Helsinki