ICRA-CERCA researcher Carles Borrego took part in one of the open sessions of the GLEON 2026 All Hands’ Meeting, held in Banyoles from 30 August to 4 September. The meeting brought together more than one hundred scientists, engineers and professionals affiliated with the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), one of the world’s leading collaborative research networks in lake ecology.

During his presentation, Carles Borrego provided an overview of the different research lines developed at Lake Banyoles over the past decades, with a particular focus on contributions to the field of microbial ecology. The lecture highlighted the long scientific tradition associated with this ecosystem and its role in training several generations of researchers.

The presentation emphasized the role of Lake Banyoles and the nearby ponds as natural laboratories for the study of aquatic microorganisms and related ecological processes. It also underscored the importance of this lacustrine system in the development of limnology and microbial ecology, both in Catalonia and internationally.

The event continued with a discussion involving Carles Borrego, researcher Dolors Planas, and members of the audience. The debate focused on the importance of maintaining long-term monitoring programmes for aquatic ecosystems. Participants also addressed the challenges involved in sustaining such monitoring efforts over time, a factor that has limited the availability of longer time series for Lake Banyoles.

The 2026 edition of the GLEON All Hands’ Meeting was organized by the University of Girona (UdG), the Blanes Center for Advanced Studies (CEAB-CSIC) and the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC).