Origins of Ireland’s Biodiversity Conference – UCC

Origins of Ireland’s Biodiversity

The formation of Ireland’s early and contemporary biodiversity

Sponsored by Fota Wildlife Park, this scientific conference will be hosted by University College Cork in September 2023

The post glacial colonisation of Ireland is a subject of remarkable scientific interest, supported by rich literature that captures both empirical evidence and measured inferences. To date, many of these scientific findings and hypotheses have been encapsulated by three published volumes, known as the Mind the Gap series. Yet a plethora of questions concerning the formation of Irelands early biodiversity and ecosystem function, its change over time, and the emergence of the island’s contemporary biodiversity remain.

In celebration of the Parks 40-year anniversary, Fota Wildlife Park are sponsoring a scientific conference to address matters surrounding the colonisation and persistence of Ireland’s biodiversity, early ecosystem formation and function, and biodiversity change over time. While the conference, Origins of Ireland’s Biodiversity, welcomes submissions on any relevant topic, a preference will be given for those that holistically address previously unanswered questions, such as community structure and prey gaps within early post glacial food webs, ecological interactions among species, and new genetic insights in to metacommunity dynamics. Submissions considering less studied taxa (e.g., parasites, microbiomes, and mycorrhizal fungi), along with the role of various human settlers in shaping Ireland’s biodiversity, are particularly welcome.

Wide ranging reviews that capture the mosaic of scientific findings and perspectives are encouraged. Reviews should detail a reasoned debate with the participation of all leading investigators from across Ireland and beyond. Full research and review papers will be published as a special volume entitled “Origins of Ireland’s Biodiversity”. Presentation of material at the conference does not guarantee publication in the final volume, and post conference submissions will also be considered for publication. It is envisioned that a discussion focused workshop will stimulate new collaborations among participants, leading to a cohesive effort to comprehensively address the issues surrounding Ireland’s biodiversity.

Please email: [email protected]. 

Download the abstract submission template here  OIB_AbstractSubmissionTemplate_final_.

Supported by University College Cork, and the Environmental Research Institute, the conference will be held over two full days.

Dates: 8^th & 9^th September 2023

Conference Location: Western Gateway Building, University College Cork.

*Note*A welcome address and reception will be held on the evening of Thursday 7^th September 2023 at the Metropole Hotel Cork, MacCurtain Street, Cork.

A conference dinner will be held on the evening of Friday 8^th September 2023, as an outdoor BBQ at the centre of Fota Wildlife Park.

Registration is now open –  click here to register.

Image credit thanks to Michael Viney.