The deep-sea is the largest ecosystem on Earth, it harbours high biodiversity and provides a wealth of resources yet, it is also the least explored and understood. Since their first edition in 1977, the international deep-sea symposia have been invaluable forums for exchange of information on the most recent deep-sea explorations and scientific advances. Moreover, the symposia  have also been wellsprings of cooperation and formation of new research groups and projects.

In 2015 it is the turn of Aveiro, Portugal to host the International Deep-Sea Biology Symposium. Previous conferences have been held in Kristineberg, Sweden (1977), La Jolla,  USA (1981), Hamburg, Germany (1985), Brest, France (1988), Copenhagen, Denmark (1991), Heraklion,  Greece (1994), Monterey Bay, USA (1997), Galway, Ireland (2000), Coos Bay,  USA (2003), Southampton, UK (2006), Reykjavík, Iceland (2010) and Wellington, New Zealand (2012). Once again the Symposium will provide the opportunity for members of the international deep-sea science community to discuss and present their latest research results.

The publication of a special volume in "Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography" is foreseen. Participants of the 14th Deep-Sea Biology Symposium will be invited to submit manuscripts under three themes:

1. Theme 1. Conservation topics and stewardship (papers on natural and anthropogenic impacts, habitat suitability, conservation and governance);
   

2. Theme 2. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (papers on biodiversity patterns, species distribution and function of all deep-sea ecosystems);
   

3. Theme 3. Life-history traits and population connectivity (papers on reproductive ecology, larval development and dispersal, and population connectivity, including empirical and modelling efforts).