CONFERENCE PROGRAM
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN
CONFERENCE PROGRAM AND CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
COLLECTIONS FOR A CHANGING WORLD
To explore how science, culture and diverse knowledge systems can work together to address global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss and wider societal transformation.
Natural history collections — including preserved animals and plants, fossil material, geological evidence of change and even living collections — represent centuries of irreplaceable biodiversity documentation. As the world faces accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and diverse ecological pressures, these collections are emerging as critical research infrastructure that can inform decision making. Sharing the outcomes from research across our globally diverse cultures and knowledge systems can better inform the role natural history collections play. Adapting to climate fluctuations, social and political change and the ongoing challenge of protecting our collections under a range of financial and physical disruptions at a time, their value and uses are increasing. Please share your research and practice-based insights on how collections can be mobilised, interpreted, and expanded to meet present and future challenges.
CONFERENCE THEMES
KEY DATES
Call for Abstracts Opens
June 2026
Submissions Close
First round 30 June 2026
Second round extended to 21 August 2026
A third round will be considered if needed
Notification of Acceptance
From late-August 2026 (submission rounds 1 and 2)
A later acceptance date will be announced if a third round of abstract submissions is opened
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
We invite museum professionals, scientists, researchers, and natural history specialists from around the world to contribute to the Conference program. Share your knowledge, research, and experiences with an international audience and help shape discussions on the future of natural history collections, research, and engagement.
To encourage early abstract submission, acknowledging the short time available to submit your abstract, we will be reviewing abstracts in two (or three) rounds. Early round abstracts will be assessed and successful presenters will be notified first. For any enquiries or assistance with submitting your abstract, please contact conference@aomevents.com.
Call for Abstracts Opens:
Submissions Close:
Notification of Acceptance:
BURSARY FOR EMERGING PROFESSIONALS
ICOM NATHIST is pleased to support the participation of early-career professionals (under 35 years of age) by offering the Bursary for Emerging Professionals at the 2026 Annual Conference in Adelaide, Australia.
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Mon 9 Nov | Tue 10 Nov | Wed 11 Nov | Thu 12 Nov | Fri 13 Nov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Arrival/Pre-Conference Activities | Day 1 - Full Conference | Day 2 - Full Conference | Day 3 - Site Visits | Day 4 - Tours at leisure |
Various venues | National Wine Centre | National Wine Centre | Institutions in Adelaide CBD or within short bus trip | Various venues |
Welcome and public lecture (early evening)
Keynote speaker: Tiahni Adamson | Full day of conference talks | Full day of conference talks, conference dinner in evening | Participation through the registration process for ‘behind the scenes’ tours across a diverse range of natural history collections in South Australia. | Tours are now available to view and book here. |
TOURS
ICOM NATHIST is pleased to present the following tours that are included in your registration. Secure your spot on your preferred tour within the registration portal!
ArtLab Tour
Botanic Gardens & State Herbarium Outdoor Tour
South Australian Museum Behind the Scenes Tour
Get rare, behind-the-scenes access to the South Australian Museum’s Science Centre and biological collections. Guided by museum scientists and collection managers, this exclusive tour takes delegates beyond the public galleries to explore:
State Herbarium Tour
MOD. Adelaide Tour
MOD. is a futuristic museum of discovery. It’s a place to be and be inspired by ideas at the intersection of science, art, and innovation. Our exhibitions are designed for people aged 15-25, showcasing how research shapes our understanding of the world around us to inform our futures.
MOD. is like no other museum experience in Australia. We bring together researchers, industries, and students to push boundaries, explore, and be inspired. We present an annual exhibition each year, along with a program of workshops, talks and events.