Applications are now open for the Deep-Sea Biodiversity and Applied Taxonomy Workshop, which will take place from 5 to 9 October 2026 at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. The workshop is organised by the SponBIODIV consortium, a Biodiversa+ funded project, in collaboration with the FAO/Norway EAF-Nansen Programme.
This interactive, hands-on workshop is designed to strengthen practical skills in marine biodiversity assessment, specimen identification and applied taxonomy. Using sponges as a focal group, alongside examples from other benthic invertebrates, participants will gain experience in:
- Specimen handling, preservation and processing
- Morphology- and image-based identification
- Molecular and genetic tools
- Biodiversity data workflows and standards
- Natural history collections
- Deep-sea biodiversity and conservation
- Practical group work with real samples
The workshop is intended for MSc and PhD students, researchers, technicians, museum staff and professionals from government agencies and NGOs across Africa working in marine science, fisheries, biodiversity assessment, monitoring or conservation. A basic understanding of marine biology is useful, but no previous experience in taxonomy is required.
Participation is limited to 20 participants, with priority given to applicants based at African institutions. The workshop is free of charge; however, participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, visa and other related expenses.
Application deadline: 15 August 2026 (notification of the outcome by 31st August)
Apply following the link: https://forms.gle/sGtsDDrM5wKi2yBw9
