The Student Conference in Conservation Science has connected thousands of young conservationists determined to tackle the biodiversity crisis - and this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Over the last quarter of a century, something extraordinary has emerged from Cambridge: an annual gathering powered entirely by volunteers - an event so energising and so prized that people return year after year. Leading figures come to run workshops at their own expense, exhibitors see the buzz and donate their own money to the cause, and people are still talking about the legendary parties.
This is no ordinary conference - and that’s entirely by design.
Its founders understand first-hand how daunting international meetings can feel for students, and how challenging it can be to forge meaningful connections at the very start of a conservation career. They also know that nurturing emerging conservationists is essential, if we are to address the alarming global biodiversity loss.
In the Student Conference in Conservation Science, Professors Andrew Balmford, Rob Fletcher and Rhys Green (University of Cambridge Department of Zoology) and Dr Rosie Trevelyan (Director, Tropical Biology Association) have created an entire conference for student conservationists. Here, students present almost all the talks and posters, and field trips and workshops are designed to sharpen the skills they’ll rely on throughout their careers.
