The symposium of the International Coral Reef Society, founded in 1980, is the most important international congress on coral reef research. For the first time in its history, it is being held in Europe, at the Bremen Exhibition Centre. During ICRS 2021, one of the aims of the congress will be to present the latest scientific findings and concepts and to make them known to the public and politicians. The University of Bremen expects up to 3,000 participants from 90 countries to attend the event.