For the first time, the Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution and the Canadian Botanical Association (CSEE-CBA) are hosting their annual joint conference in Winnipeg.
It's taking place Sunday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 14 at the RBC Convention Centre, co-hosted by The University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba. The conference kick starts with the opening reception at the Winnipeg Art Gallery's Qaumajuq Gallery.
"We are thrilled to host this important scientific conference here in Winnipeg, showcasing what Manitoba has to offer with field trips planned around the province, while sharing our knowledge broadly across generations, cultures, and with members of the scientific community and general public alike," said Dr. James Hare, Co-Chair of CSEE-CBA, and Professor Emeritus, Department of Biological Sciences, UManitoba.
This major conference brings together pre-eminent scientists from across Canada and overseas in the fields of basic and applied ecology, evolution, and botany, and will offer a venue to train and inspire the next generation of researchers and educators.
Researchers from UWinnipeg's Department of Biology, as well as UManitoba's Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Microbiology, are leading the CSEE-CBA joint meeting with scientists from the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Canadian Wildlife Service, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
In addition to outstanding science, the CSEE-CBA meeting in Winnipeg is promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization in STEM research and education. This includes presentations by Indigenous scientists and conservationists, and representation from the Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN).
"The range and depth of science at this conference is especially strong because the many equity initiatives have really encouraged people from different backgrounds and different workplaces to attend," said Dr. Susan Lingle, Co-Chair of CSEE-CBA and Professor in UWinnipeg's Department of Biology. "Like most fields, the research has shown that science is much stronger when you bring diverse perspectives together."
Free child care will be available for scientists attending the meeting who otherwise would not be able to due to parental responsibilities. This on-site service is organized through the West Central Women's Resource Centre, a not-for-profit social enterprise.
Highlights of the conference include a public plenary, Prioritizing Indigenous Values in Wildlife Conservation, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on Monday, June 12. UWinnipeg alumna Dr. Allyson Menzies will lead the event, presenting research that focuses on how researchers can prioritize Indigenous values in environmental monitoring and wildlife conservation.
There will also be a panel discussion with Indigenous scientists and conservationists about the fundamental concepts related to the decolonization of research, conservation, and STEM teaching. Undergraduate students participating in UWinnipeg's Indigenous Summer Scholars Program and UManitoba's Wawatay Program will also be presenting their research.
For information about attending this conference as a delegate or as a member of the media, to obtain a free ticket for the public plenary, or to support the above equity initiatives, please contact Dr. Susan Lingle at beepeg2023@gmail.com.
