The first International Online Conference on Zoological and Botanical Gardens (IOCZBG 2026), organised by MDPI's Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, has extended its abstract submission deadline to 11 September 2026 following strong interest from the research community.
With this extension, more researchers, zoo professionals, botanical garden practitioners, conservationists, and related stakeholders will be able to present their latest findings and case studies and engage with a growing international network of experts in zoological and botanical gardens.
The conference invites submissions across six thematic areas: zoo animal welfare; zoo animal behaviour; zoo animal health; biodiversity conservation at botanical gardens; collections in botanical gardens, arboreta and museums; and botanical gardens sustainability.
To find out more and submit your abstract, please click here.
"IOCZBG 2026 aims to create a global platform for researchers, conservation practitioners, and professionals working in zoological and botanical gardens to exchange knowledge and showcase new developments in the field," says the organisation.
"We look forward to welcoming contributions that advance the research of animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability."
Gathering the global zoological and botanical gardens community
Organised by MDPI's Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, IOCZBG 2026 will take place online from 2 to 4 December 2026 and is free to attend.
Following the deadline extension to 11 September, the IOCZBG 2026 timeline has been updated. Acceptance notifications will be sent on 2 October, with registration closing on 27 November.
IOCZBG 2026's online format enables participation from an international audience while fostering discussion on emerging research, conservation practices, animal welfare, biodiversity management, and sustainability initiatives across zoological and botanical institutions.
Confirmed speakers include Chris Walzer (Wildlife Conservation Society & University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna), Adrian Tordiffe (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre - Vantara), and Dominik Fischer (Zoo Wuppertal & Bird of Prey Center Hellenthal).
Other speakers include Claudia Martinez (University of Adelaide & University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), and James Brereton (University Centre Sparsholt), and Costantino Bonomi (MUSE-Museo delle Scienze & Trentino Seed Bank).
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.