Conservation Genetics: Fundaments and Applications
From 13 Apr 2026 until 17 Apr 2026 - Estação Biológica de Mértola, Mértola (Face-to-face)
The Conservation Genetics course is a comprehensive 5-day workshop designed for postgraduate students to provide advanced understanding of genetic diversity in natural populations and its critical role in conservation of threatened species and populations.
This intensive course will feature expert-led lectures and practical group work, promoting informal discussions, on a range of topics including:
- Genetic Variation & Conservation: Understand the importance of genetic diversity and explore cutting-edge molecular techniques for genetic monitoring.
- Fundaments of Population Genetics: Understand concepts such as Hardy-Weinberg proportions, effective population size, inbreeding depression, genetic drift, selection.
- Molecular Methods in Conservation: Learn about application of high-throughput sequencing methods in conservation, and methods for genetic monitoring using non-invasive sampling.
- Anthropogenic Hybridization and Genetic Rescue: Methods for detecting anthropogenic hybridization, case studies, and use of genomics in conservation of highly threatened species.
Pre-requisites: Participants are expected to have completed an introductory genetics course or possess equivalent background knowledge.
The course will also feature a half-day field trip to Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights, collaborate with peers, and enhance your expertise in the field of conservation genetics.
We look forward to your participation!
PROGRAM
Day 1
- Genetic variation in natural populations and its importance for conservation
- Molecular methods overview
- Genetic non-invasive sampling (gNIS)
- Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and genetic diversity
- Effective population size (Ne) and genetic drift
Day 2
- Demography and extinction, and exploited populations
- Hybridization and Introgression
- Practical and group work
Day 3
- Assignment methods and gene-flow
- Practical and group work
- Field trip
Day 4
- Speciation and conservation
- Practical and group work
Day 5
- Group presentations
- Discussion and closure
CALENDAR
5 days - 28h (Friday only in the morning) - Schedule: 09:30 - 12:30 & 14:00 - 17:00
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Coordination
Soraia Barbosa | FCUP/BIOPOLIS/CIBIO-InBIO
Paulo Célio Alves | FCUP/ BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO-InBIO
Invited instructors
Matthew P Hare | Cornell University
Jeremy Searle | Cornell University
Invited instructors
Matthew P Hare | Cornell University
Jeremy Searle | Cornell University
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 15 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)
APPLICATION
Deadline: 01 March 2026
To apply fill the FORM
A copy of your submitted form will be sent to the email address you provided. This email is your confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
If you don't receive this email, your application was not successfully submitted.
We will email you the results within 10 working days after the application deadline.
REGISTRATION
95€ (students) | 200€ (other participants).
BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%.
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students (M BGE & PhD) & CIBIO's TwinLabs members.
(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).
MORE INFORMATION
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.
CONTACT
Education & Training Unit (Post graduation office)
+351 252 660 425