Systems Ecology

Beth Gardner introduces spatial capture-recapture models for estimating wildlife population dynamics and movement. The seminar considers observations from camera traps and genetic identification using hair or scat, showing how the modeling framework can accommodate different sampling methods, time scales and movement processes. Gardner develops the Bayesian formulation through worked examples in R with NIMBLE, then discusses extensions and audience questions. The methods support estimates of demographic rates, spatial distributions and habitat relationships for conservation and management. The organizer explicitly schedules this occurrence at 15:00 Eastern time, rather than the series’ usual time.

ISEC brings together ecologists, statisticians and quantitative researchers working on ecological inference and modelling. The main conference runs 10–15 January 2027 in Mérida, Mexico; separate pre-conference workshops run 8–9 January. Registration is open, with early rates through 30 September 2026 and reduced rates for eligible Global South participants.

The Aquatic Sciences Meeting connects freshwater and ocean researchers around the theme Waterscapes Under Pressure: Drivers and Opportunities. The meeting runs 28 February–5 March 2027 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Registration is open. The abstract deadline has been extended to 21 September 2026; early registration ends 1 December 2026.

Sanne Evers introduces the first forecasting challenge organized by the European Ecological Forecasting Initiative. The challenge uses long-running observations from Doñana National Park in southern Spain to support short-term predictions of vegetation indices and the abundance of multiple shrub species. Forecasting these changes can inform habitat management, productivity assessments and conservation decisions under climatic and hydrological pressures. The seminar explains why Doñana’s range of habitats and monitoring infrastructure offer a useful setting for comparing predictions before new observations become available. It also discusses lessons from developing the challenge and planned next steps, with participation encouraged across ecological disciplines and levels of forecasting experience.

An open transnational call studies novel ecosystems, their functioning, trajectories of change and equitable sharing of biodiversity benefits. UK researchers may collaborate with international partners under the Biodiversa+ joint call. Mandatory pre-proposals are due on 10 November 2026 at 12:00 CET (11:00 UTC); invited full proposals are due on 16 April 2027 at 12:00 CEST (10:00 UTC). The listed deadline is the mandatory first stage. UK costs may reach £375,000 at full economic cost, with NERC funding 80%, for up to 36 months; this is not a £375,000 cash award.

An annual award of up to GBP 15,000 supports an experienced researcher leading an expedition in an aquatic environment, including coral reefs, rivers, lakes or shallow seas. Projects should benefit the host country and, where possible, local communities. Applications for the current round close on 16 November 2026.

Beth Gardner introduces spatial capture-recapture models for estimating wildlife population dynamics and movement. The seminar considers observations from camera traps and genetic identification using hair or scat, showing how the modeling framework can accommodate different sampling methods, time scales and movement processes. Gardner develops the Bayesian formulation through worked examples in R with NIMBLE, then discusses extensions and audience questions. The methods support estimates of demographic rates, spatial distributions and habitat relationships for conservation and management. The organizer explicitly schedules this occurrence at 15:00 Eastern time, rather than the series’ usual time.

Sanne Evers introduces the first forecasting challenge organized by the European Ecological Forecasting Initiative. The challenge uses long-running observations from Doñana National Park in southern Spain to support short-term predictions of vegetation indices and the abundance of multiple shrub species. Forecasting these changes can inform habitat management, productivity assessments and conservation decisions under climatic and hydrological pressures. The seminar explains why Doñana’s range of habitats and monitoring infrastructure offer a useful setting for comparing predictions before new observations become available. It also discusses lessons from developing the challenge and planned next steps, with participation encouraged across ecological disciplines and levels of forecasting experience.

The Aquatic Sciences Meeting connects freshwater and ocean researchers around the theme Waterscapes Under Pressure: Drivers and Opportunities. The meeting runs 28 February–5 March 2027 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Registration is open. The abstract deadline has been extended to 21 September 2026; early registration ends 1 December 2026.

ISEC brings together ecologists, statisticians and quantitative researchers working on ecological inference and modelling. The main conference runs 10–15 January 2027 in Mérida, Mexico; separate pre-conference workshops run 8–9 January. Registration is open, with early rates through 30 September 2026 and reduced rates for eligible Global South participants.