Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics Course CONGEN on August 03-13, 2026 in Linhares, Brazil

We are pleased to announce the 2026 edition of the international course 'Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics (ConGen Global)', which will take place at an Atlantic Forest natural reserve in Brazil.

The ConGen Global course is an intensive, hands-on training program in conservation genetics and genomics. Sponsored by the American Genetic Association (AGA) and directed by Dr. Stephen J. O'Brien since 1996, ConGen Global has trained conservation scientists from around the world for three decades to apply genetic and genomic tools to real-world conservation and management decisions.

In 2026, ConGen will be held in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's great biodiversity hotspots and among its most threatened ecosystems. The course will take place at the Vale Natural Reserve (RNV) in Linhares, Espirito Santo, a ~23,000-hectare reserve. This setting where fragmentation, endemism, and restoration are conservation realities allows lectures, computational labs, and case studies to connect directly to on-the-ground priorities in Brazil and across

South America.

Course format and curriculum ConGen2026 is a 10-day program built around: Morning lectures and interactive discussions focused on study design, theoretical concepts and practical applications in the field of conservation genomics.

- Afternoon hands-on computer tutorials on conservation genomics (genomic data quality control and filtering; SNP calling; genomic diversity; population structure and admixture; estimating and interpreting ROHs; estimating genetic load; estimating demographic history and conducting population genetic simulations; estimating adaptive Evolution) using reproducible pipelines.

- Evening keynote lectures highlighting case studies that connect methods to conservation practice.

- Practical workshop on generating and analyzing genomic data from wildlife species.

- Poster presentations by students throughout the course, with constant feedback by faculty.

- Rotating "faculty tables" at meals, mentoring hours, and project clinics embed networking into the daily routine. All teaching materials (slides, code pipelines, datasets) are shared openly for post- course reuse and capacity building.

Faculty and admissions

ConGen2026 will be taught by 15-20 faculty, including global leaders of the field, and will admit 25-30 students. Selection will prioritize scientific merit, regional representation, gender balance, and need-based support.

Dates and location

August 3-13, 2026 Vale Natural Reserve (RNV), Linhares, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Fees and support

Application is free. Registration fees are due only after acceptance and confirmation.

Registration fee: $2,500 USD

Includes: tuition, shared lodging, meals, and local transportation

Not included: airfare, visa costs, travel insurance, personal expenses

Scholarships: reserved primarily for participants from low-income countries. If awarded, scholarships cover expenses in Brazil

(registration, room, and board) but do not cover international travel. Scholarships require a separate application and are available only to accepted participants.

Apply by March 1 to be considered in full. Applications submitted after March 1 may be subject to a $250 late registration fee.

Apply here: http://congenglobal.org/brazil2026/

Thank you for your interest we look forward to receiving your application.