CONFERENCE GRANTS CALL IS OPEN
Adding to the continuous call for applications for dissemination conference grant, GENOA COST action now opens the call for 5 ITC Conference Grants (ITC = Inclusiveness Target Country) and 2 YRI Conference Grants (YRI = Young Researcher and Innovator). The call is for conference attending between 1st July - 30th September 2026. Application deadline: June 8, 2026 (23:59 CEST) Results: June 12th, 2026 Applications must be sent only via the e‑COST platform Download call text
STSM CALL IN WG5 TO CONTRIBUTE TO OBJECTIVES O5.1 AND O5.3
COST Action GENOA (CA23121) invites applications for up to two Short‑Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) under Working Group 5 – “Communication and collaboration”. This call supports progress in the work plan of WG5 through contribution to objectives O5.1 and O5.3. These Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) aim to strengthen the role of conservation genetics within broader biodiversity conservation efforts while fostering cross-disciplinary engagement and innovative communication approaches. Successful applicants are expected to develop artistic and creative outputs, showcasing innovative ways to communicate and advocate for the importance of genetic diversity. These outputs may include visual materials, storytelling formats, multimedia products, or other
Extension of the application deadline for the STSM on genetic diversity in “particular systems”
GENOA COST Action (CA23121) announces an extension of the application deadline for a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) under Working Group 3 – “Genes to Ecosystem”, aimed at supporting contributions to the WG3 sub-project on genetic diversity in “particular systems”, led by Roberta Gargiulo. The call for this STSM will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Read the original call text
Free Online Course: Conservation Biology
WWF Italy’s One Planet School is offering a completely free online course “Conservation Biology: the science to protect life on the Planet.” The course provides an accessible introduction to biodiversity, the state of ecosystems, human impacts, and key conservation approaches. It is structured into 9 modules (9 hours total) and also includes a dedicated module on conservation genetics. The course is currently available in Italian only, but an English overview of the contents and programme is available here for international participants. Read the course programme in English
PhD position in invasion genomics
A PhD position is now open at the Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków for a motivated candidate interested in invasion biology and genomics. This project will focus on understanding the genomic mechanisms underlying invasive species success using state-of-the-art bioinformatic and genomic approaches. Applicants should have: A Master’s degree in bioinformatics or a related field Interest in evolutionary and population genomics Good command of English and strong communication skills Experience in NGS bioinformatic analyses (considered an advantage). Read the full call
Connected by nature
Celebrating European Day of Parks with our new cartoon greeting card — a reminder that healthy ecosystems depend on strong connections across landscapes and communities. Let us work together to protect and restore these vital links for future generations. Download cartoon
Acting locally for global impact
Biodiversity supports all life on Earth, but it is being lost quickly across the world. The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) 2026, with the theme “Acting locally for global impact,” encourages everyone to take action to stop this loss. Protecting biodiversity starts with small actions close to home, which can make a big difference around the world. Download cartoon
VMG CALL IN WG4 on establishing a mentorship programme for GENOA Young Researchers and Innovators – YRIs
COST Action GENOA (CA23121) invites applications for a Virtual Mobility Grant (VMG) under Working Group 4 to support activities necessary to design and implement the mentorship framework, including mapping mentorship needs, developing guidelines and matching procedures, and facilitating initial interactions between mentors and mentees within the GENOA YRI network. The initiative aims to strengthen professional development opportunities for YRIs and promote long-term collaboration within the Action. The virtual mobility can take place between 25 June and 15 September 2026, with funding of up to €1,500 per grant. Applications are open to eligible COST Action participants from COST Full/Cooperating Member Countries and Near Neighbour
JOINT WG2/3 WORKSHOP: Ne/Nc ratios and genetic indicators in the wild-to-domesticated continuum
We are organising a 2-day WG2-WG3 workshop covering two complementary subprojects in conservation genetics. Subproject 1 - WG2: Estimating Ne/Nc Ratios from Life History Traits A central challenge in conservation genetics is predicting the effective-to-census population size ratio (Ne/Nc) across species with varied life history traits. Led by Joachim Mergeay, the participants will critically review and expand existing Ne/Nc datasets, apply reliability filters to published estimates, compile life history traits for focal species, and develop regression models. Pursuing after the workshop, models will be validated with AgeNe simulations to produce a practical, trait-based prediction tool usable across taxa. Subproject
Happy World Migratory Bird Day! – check out our new cartoon
Every bird counts—and every observation matters. By tracking migratory birds and contributing to data collection, we help better understand genetic diversity and strengthen conservation efforts. Join the journey of discovery and be part of protecting species for the future. Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2026 with us! Download cartoon
