The 3rd international meeting "Fresh Blood for Freshwater 2013" took place at the WasserCluster Lunz from 27th February to 1st March. More than 95 young limnologists from 11 European countries attended the conference to share ideas, establish contacts, and present ongoing or finalized research. Key-lectures informed about perspectives in fundamental and applied limnology and European research programs and funding possibilities. In addition, workshops were offered which encompassed public outreach activities, life balance with a work in science, successful proposal writing, and modern data presentation and illustration. The meeting was organized by WasserCluster Lunz and SIL Austria.