The program layout below is preliminary and will be updated depending on the number of participants. Coffee breaks will be scheduled during both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Monday, September 14
Tuesday, September 15
Wednesday, September 16
Thursday, September 17
Friday, September 18
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM
The minisymposium dedicated to Karel Šulc (Wednesday afternoon) will summarize the work of this pioneer of endocytobiology and discuss the current state of knowledge on bacterial endosymbionts of plant sap-feeding insects, with particular emphasis on Candidatus Karelsulcia muelleri. As part of the minisymposium, a newly designed commemorative plaque dedicated to Karel Šulc will be unveiled.
On Thursday afternoon, we will first take a guided tour of the Michal Coalmine , located just 8 minutes by trolleybus from the meeting venue. This industrial heritage site has been preserved as a national cultural monument documenting the history of coal mining in Ostrava. Coal mining and heavy industry used to be the main drivers of economic growth in Ostrava and the surrounding region, profoundly shaping the city, the regional landscape, and the mentality of the local population. From the second half of the 19th century onwards, people arrived from distant parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to live and work in Ostrava. One such case was Karel Šulc, who came in 1900 to serve as a physician to miners and their families in the village of Michálkovice—now a district of Ostrava—where the Michal Coalmine is located. Visiting this site will not only allow participants to experience something of the atmosphere in which Karel Šulc conducted his research, but also to appreciate the impressive industrial setting and technical ingenuity of the mine.
After the tour, buses will be arranged to transport all participants from Michálkovice to the Mendel House in Hynčice , where the conference dinner will take place. The expected return time to Ostrava is around 10:00 pm.
BEYOND THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM
When attending the ISE 2026 meeting in Ostrava, you may wish to explore the attractions of the city and its surroundings, as well as special events taking place in the region during the meeting. Particularly interesting events include:
A vocal concert on Thursday evening, September 17, held as part of the St. Wenceslas Music Festival.
Some tickets are still available for symphonic concerts (Brahms, Shostakovich) by Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava on September 17 or 18.
NATO Days 2026, taking place on September 19-20 (the weekend immediately following the meeting) at Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava.
Classical music enthusiasts may also enjoy a visit to Hukvaldy, a charming village near Ostrava (with a castle), where the famous Czech composer Leoš Janáček was born.