GENOA COST ACTION TRAINING SCHOOL ON LAW AND POLICY OF THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The GENOA COST Action Training School on the Legal and Policy Dimensions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A Focus on Genetic Diversity Indicators was held on 23-25 June 2026 in Brussels to strengthen capacities on biodiversity governance ahead of COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia. The training brought together 25 participants from more than 18 countries across Europe and neighbouring countries, creating an interdisciplinary learning environment for researchers and governmental officers working at the science–policy interface. This training school acted as a platform in which participants including, natural science researchers, CBD National Focal Points, and governmental
GENOA COST action at the World Biodiversity Forum
At the World Biodiversity Forum (14-19 June, 2026) in Davos, Switzerland, GENOA's co-chair Isa-Rita Russo contributed to two oral presentations highlighting the work of the GENOA COST Action and its role in advancing genetic diversity monitoring across Europe. Both talks were delivered within the thematic track focused on implementing and achieving the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), specifically Target 4 on genetic diversity. The first presentation, titled “Integrating genetic diversity monitoring in Europe: The GENOA COST Action,” was delivered within the session on methods, tools, and lessons learned for integrating genetic diversity
GENOA TO CO-CURATE ART EXHIBITION ON GENETIC DIVERSITY AT THE 7TH EUROPEAN CONSERVATION GENETICS MEETING
GENOA WG5 will co-curate an art exhibition during the 7th European Conservation Genetics Meeting in Antwerp, Belgium, bringing together artists and scientists to explore how genetic diversity can be communicated beyond scientific language. The exhibition, Evolving Narratives, curated by Xiatong Cai, Siyu Gao, and Ivan Vander Biesen, unfolds as a journey from genetic data to public imagination. Artist Simon Martin's visualization of population structure introduces genetic diversity as a pattern and scientific evidence, while Yi Zhao's DNA-based practice expands it into questions of identity, society, and human connection. Ivan Vander Biesen's Basil reflects on growth, transformation, and the timing of conservation across a species'
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
