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.

Loading agenda...

CONFERENCE THEMES

  1. Exploring what is a natural history collection: 2026 and beyond.
  2. Disaster preparedness – thinking about the unthinkable.  
  3. Urban greening and biodiversity protection.
  4. Sustainability and collections conservation.
  5. Exemplars of global collaboration in natural history collections use across cultures, continents and regulations.
  6. The importance of living collections as natural history collections.
  7. Collections data and its central role in monitoring environmental change.
  8. The supporting role of Citizen Scientists for maintaining Natural History Collections.
  9. General theme.

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:

  • June 2026

Submissions Close:

  • First round of abstract assessments will begin 30 June 2026
  • Second round extended to 21 August 2026 (close of abstract submissions)
  • 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

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

More information coming soon

Botanic Gardens & State Herbarium Outdoor Tour

More information coming soon

South Australian Museum Behind the Scenes Tour

More information

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:

  • World-Class Biobanking & DNA Infrastructure: Step inside the Australian Biological Tissue Collection (ABTC) - the Southern Hemisphere’s largest tissue repository - and learn how our researchers leverage eDNA and genomics for global biodiversity baselines.
  • Preservation & Taxonomic Discovery: See firsthand how millions of physical vouchers - from marine and terrestrial invertebrates, vertebrates to palaeontology and mineralogy -are curated, digitised, and actively used for state biosecurity and environmental research.
  • Research Translation in Action: Discover how backend scientific workflows directly inform public translation, community co-design, and interactive gallery displays.

State Herbarium Tour

More information coming soon

MOD. Adelaide Tour

More information

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.