European Weed Research
Society Symposium

Welcome to the 21st EWRS Symposium

System-Based Solutions to Weed Management

Fifty years have passed since the last EWRS Symposium was held in Uppsala in 1977. As we celebrate this anniversary, we reflect on five decades of collaborative weed science while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.

Weed science continues to evolve. As our understanding of agroecosystems deepens and technology advances, we are expanding our perspective on weed management. Building on established tools and methods, we are increasingly integrating them within a broader systems approach that acknowledges the full complexity of agricultural ecosystems. This means not only addressing the negative impacts of weeds on crop production, but also understanding the ecological roles weeds can play within the agricultural landscapes and beyond.

The theme of this symposium, System-Based Solutions to Weed Management, reflects this integrated vision. It highlights the fusion of ecological knowledge and modern technology in developing weed management practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. This systems-based approach draws on deep understanding of weed biology and ecology, and is supported by innovations across all sectors, from precision technologies to novel management strategies.

The symposium will bring together researchers, industry partners, practitioners, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond to share the latest scientific advances and explore collaborative pathways towards sustainable weed management. Together, we will examine how integrated approaches can support farmers in managing the ecological complexity of their fields.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sweden for an inspiring week of science, dialogue, and connection as we shape the future of weed science together.