Ready for Action: The XII EMCA Conference Showcases Innovation and Global Collaboration in Mosquito Control

Antwerp, March 25–28, 2025 – The XII International Conference of the European Mosquito Control Association (EMCA), co-organised with the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) and hosted in the historic city of Antwerp, marked a remarkable milestone in global vector control collaboration. Held under the theme “Ready for Action: Advances in Mosquito Control”, the conference brought together 174 participants from 33 countries, representing a wide spectrum of expertise—from field operations and academia to public health agencies and policy institutions.

After a warm welcome by EMCA President Sandra Gewehr, the conference was officially opened with remarks by Caroline Gennez, Flemish Minister for Welfare and Equal Opportunities, and Dr Özge Tunçalp, Executive Director of ITM. Both underscored the urgency of united global action and interdisciplinary innovation in tackling the challenges posed by vector-borne diseases.

An Ambitious and Diverse Programme

Over the course of four dynamic days, the conference featured:

• 11 scientific sessions
• 4 keynote lectures
• 53 oral presentations
• 38 posters
• 1 expert roundtable
• 1 interactive Science Slam

The 11 scientific sessions spanned a broad array of themes around mosquito control, including insecticide resistance, mosquito ecology, AI-based surveillance, vector microbiota, new biocontrol tools, and integrated public health responses. These sessions reflected the full breadth and complexity of modern vector control challenges.

Keynote Speakers: Insights from the Frontlines of Research and Policy

The keynote lectures highlighted pivotal advances and strategic insights across regions and disciplines:

• Clémentine Calba (Santé Publique France) detailed the evolving risk of arbovirus transmission in mainland France, showcasing the effectiveness and future perspective [AI1] on national surveillance and control systems amid rising autochthonous dengue cases.
• Romeo Bellini (Centro Agricoltura Ambiente) offered a comprehensive update on Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) development against Aedes mosquitoes, advocating for cost-efficient scale-up and the use of modern technologies in mosquito production, release, and monitoring.
• Derric Nimmo (Innovative Vector Control Consortium) explored how product development partnerships (PDPs) like IVCC are fueling innovation in vector control tools, including the identification of novel active ingredients and the promotion of integrated resistance management strategies.
• Sophie Vanwambeke (UCLouvain) introduced the land systems governance framework as a powerful lens for understanding and managing vector-borne disease risks through the intersections of land use, ecological dynamics, and public health.

Panel Discussion: Are We Ready for Action in Europe?

An engaging roundtable moderated by Wim Van Bortel (ITM) brought together EMCA experts and a Belgian governmental representative to examine the preparedness of European countries in facing mosquito-borne disease threats. Key themes included:

• Implementation barriers and knowledge gaps
• Scaling and transferring effective strategies
• Engaging cities and policymakers
• The importance of citizen involvement and cross-sectoral collaboration

Science Slam: Pitching the Future

The Science Slam emerged as a standout highlight, where young researchers enthusiastically pitched novel ideas in a fast-paced and accessible format. The audience actively participated by voting for the best Science Slam presentation, adding a layer of community engagement and celebration of innovation.

Celebrating Scientific Excellence

The conference closed with the presentation of awards for:

• Best student oral presentation
• Best student poster
• Best Science Slam talk

These prizes recognized the outstanding contributions of emerging scientists and underscored the commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in vector control.

Looking Ahead

Prof Ruth Müller, Head of the Entomology Unit at ITM and co-chair of the Scientific Committee, delivered a powerful closing statement:

“We can’t let this momentum fade. We must translate these insights into action at local, regional and global levels. Let’s shape a new generation of climate-resilient, inclusive, and impact-driven vector control.”

The 12th EMCA Conference proved that preparedness starts with partnership. As the climate shifts and disease vectors spread, the need for coordinated, science-driven, and community-anchored approaches is more crucial than ever. The success of this edition in Antwerp is a testament to the strength of collaboration—and a call to stay ready for action.