A symposium is an academic event, where the participants - representatives of academic or scientific world, present their achievements or reflections on a particular subject. The symposium can be easily described as a small conference or an academic gathering of experts to debate over new developments and discoveries in the field. 

Attending symposia is critical for scientists for three main reasons. First, it is vital to be updated on latest developments of the scientific field: in this type of events experts usually gather to share their findings and recommendations. Second, this is an opportunity to have your own contribution in the scientific discourse and present your own work. Third, this is an excellent chance to meet colleagues and to socialize out of laboratories and classrooms.

Symposia are organized through active engagement of government bodies, research centers, NGOs and Universities. Many scientists and famous academics of the field are invited to talk at the symposiums by academic foundations or symposium organizers. There are hundreds of fully-funded conferences and symposiums across many academic disciplines and it is always possible to find an appropriate one for each interested individual.