Ecology: renewal

The 2021 Ecology Society of Australia’s 61st annual conference will take place online from 22-26 November 2021. Addressing the theme ‘Renewal’, in a post-covid, post-black summer world, ESA2021 will explore a renewal in our relationships with each other and with nature, as our land recovers from fire, drought and flood.

With presentations on topics ranging from threatened species, data analytics and habitat protection to sustainable food, business, planning and urban biodiversity, ESA2021 will offer a rich lineup of ideas and research insights.

Keynote sessions include:

  • The new Global Biodiversity Framework v. Australia: how our conservation policy needs to change and what ecologists can do about it. Dr Martine Maron, Professor of Environmental Management, The University of Queensland.
  • The 2019/20 mega-fires: what did we learn and will it equip us for the future? Emeritus Professor Ross Bradstock, University of Wollongong and Dr Rachael Nolan, Research Fellow, Western Sydney University.
  • Negative emotions and mental health impacts attributable to climate change. Associate Professor Navjot Bhullar, School of Psychology, University of New England
  • New ways of working – For us, With us, By us. Indigenous Keynote by Professor Stephen Van Leeuwen, Curtin University.

Art and science symposium

On Thursday 25 November from 11.15 am, there will be an art and science symposium featuring presentations on diverse topics including exploring ecology through podcasts and films, song, theatre and visual arts.

Inspiring Australia NSW’s manager Jackie Randles will share examples of how arts-based projects can successfully engage advocates and spark action through creative ecology encounters that create memorable experiences for diverse community members.

Through the prism of community-based arts/science collaborations from across NSW, Jackie will demonstrate how scientists can extend the impact and reach of their research knowledge by inviting audience participation in the creation of stories about nature. She’ll show how scientists have been able to build empathy and create deep connections with community members while gaining support for further collaborative projects, increasing ecology knowledge and helping to build ecological literacy.

Attend the conference

ESA2021 will be held from 22-26 November 2021. Registration includes access to all conference sessions, plus online workshops and networking events. Session recordings will be available to view until 31 December 2021.

To register for the Ecology Society of Australia’s 61st annual conference, visit the website at http://esa2021.org.au