7th European Conservation Genetics meeting
THEMES | KEYNOTE SPEAKERS | PRELIMINARY PROGRAM | REGISTRATION | ABSTRACT GUIDELINES | ACCOMODATION | VENUE
We are happy to announce the 7th European Conservation Genetics Meeting in 2026. The conference will bring together students, researchers and stakeholders to share insights, exchange knowledge, and foster collaborations in the field of conservation genetics and genomics.
Themes
Genomes for the Future: Using Genetic Insights to Understand, Predict, and Restore Biodiversity
Exploring how genetic and genomic data can guide conservation in a rapidly changing world. By combining insights from evolutionary history with cutting-edge genomics, we can better understand current genetic diversity, adaptive potential, and resilience across species and ecosystems. Sessions will highlight predictive models, genetic indicators (and genomic indicators of ecosystem health), and applied actions such as translocations (reintroductions, genetic rescue). The focus is on translating data into decisions—integrating genetics into policy (such as the European Nature Restoration Law), biodiversity monitoring, and adaptive management. While evolutionary perspectives provide crucial context, the meeting looks primarily to the present and near future: how today’s genomic knowledge can shape restoration, policy, and sustainable coexistence with biodiversity.
1. Genetic Landscapes of the Present
Focus: Assessing the current state of genetic diversity and structure across populations and ecosystems.
Topics: genomic indicators of population health, adaptive variation, inbreeding and connectivity, eDNA for biodiversity monitoring, large-scale population genomics projects (e.g. Earth BioGenome).
2. From Data to Decisions: Applying Genomics in Management
Focus: Translating genetic findings into concrete conservation actions.
Topics: genetic rescue, assisted gene flow, translocation planning, reintroduction genetics, breeding program optimization.
3. Predicting Futures: Genomics under Change
Focus: Using genomics and modelling to anticipate biodiversity responses to climate, land-use, and demographic pressures.
Topics: adaptive potential forecasting, evolutionary rescue, forward simulations, integrating genomics into species distribution and demographic models.
4. Restoration Genomics and the (European) Policy Landscape
Focus: Linking genomic science with restoration and policy frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, EU Nature Restoration Law and Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
Topics: defining and measuring genetic restoration targets, ecosystem resilience, genomic/genetic indicators for (EU) monitoring frameworks.
5. Open session
The theme of this session will be decided upon when having received the abstracts from the participants (deadline April 30) but will likely focus on innovative aspects in the field.
Abstract guidelines
Participants can apply for a 15-minute oral contribution (including 5 minutes for questions) or for a poster presentation. Submitted abstracts (deadline April 30, 2026) will be reviewed by the organizing committee with decisions communicated by June 1st, 2026.
Preliminary program
Tuesday, 25 August
Arrival of most participants: social event at ZOOmerbar in Antwerp Zoo.
Wednesday, 26 August
| 8:00 - 8:30 | Registration and welcome coffee |
| 08:30 - 12:30 | Session 1 |
| 12:30 - 14:00 13:15 - 14:00 |
Lunch Poster session |
| 14:00 - 17:30 | Session 2 |
| 17:30 - 18:30 | Social event: evening reception at ZOOmerbar |
Thursday, 27 August
| 8:15 - 8:45 | Registration and welcome coffee |
| 08:45 - 12:30 | Session 3 |
| 12:30 - 14:00 13:15 - 14:00 |
Lunch Poster session |
| 14:00 - 17:45 | Session 4 |
| 19:30 | Social event: conference diner (optional) |
Friday, 28 August
| 08:15 - 08:45 | Registration and welcome coffee |
| 08:45 - 12:30 | Session 5 |
| 12:30 - 14:00 13:15 - 14:00 |
Lunch Poster session |
| 14:00 - 17:30 14:00 - 15:15 16:00 -17:15 |
Session 6 Panel Discussions on genetics in: - Policy |
| 17:15 - 17:30 | Closing remarks |