Schedule

Our team will be ready to assist with your registration, provide conference materials, and answer any queries. Coffee will be available upon your arrival.

Behavioural ecology

Conservation biology

Genetics

Insect ecology

The Braiding Wildlife Knowledges: Common threads connecting place-based work in ecology and evolution symposium will consider knowledge co-production that is inclusive of Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, grounded in place-based collaboration, and focussed on shared knowledge priorities about wildlife. Meaningful and effective braiding of wildlife knowledges can help to ensure research agendas and conservation outcomes reflect collective understanding and lead to positive impact. Braided work is significant because it i) centers Indigenous peoples, lands, and priorities at the forefront of the research, ii) explicitly recognizes the inherent validity of multiple ways of knowing and doing, iii) applies co-produced wildlife knowledges to local conservation, adaptation, and well-being outcomes, and iv) advances learning and impact by building bridges between place-based projects. This symposium will highlight knowledge braiding approaches and impacts related to the ecology and evolution of culturally significant wildlife across a diverse set of place-based initiatives. We aim to dedicate the final two presentation slots to a panel to consider shared learnings and common threads about knowledge braiding across diverse place-based projects.

Global change is transforming landscapes in both space and time, yet ecological theory often considers spatial and temporal environmental variability separately. Although the knowledge gained this way has been fundamental, there is a need to unite these dimensions towards understanding the role that spatio-temporal variation plays in ecological dynamics. This session will aim to do so by highlighting theoretical and empirical advances that unpack spatial and temporal variation as both drivers and consequences of ecological dynamics in changing landscapes. Collectively, these talks will integrate the interactive roles of spatial connectivity, climate variability, and species interactions, and showcase a range of mathematical, conceptual and applied approaches to modeling changes in the environmental "arena" for ecological dynamics. The goal of this session is to link these changes to population persistence, spatial patterning and (meta-)ecosystem resilience, particularly in the face of global change.

This symposium will explore how ecologists do ecology. There have been repeated calls for ecological research to become more reproducible, open and inclusive - but are we are making progress towards these goals? In this symposium we will examine both successes and challenges as we follow the research cycle from data collection to analysis to sharing and synthesis. We will ask who benefits from open science and scientific collaborations, and whether these benefits are equitably shared. We will celebrate the successes of programs like CIEE’s Living Data Project, while considering challenges that remain in replicating science. Talks will intersperse meta-research (i.e. research on research) with examples of best practice.

Take a breather and mingle with peers during our coffee break. It's the perfect opportunity to discuss the morning's insights, refresh, and energize yourself for the upcoming sessions.

Behavioural ecology

Genetics

Plant ecology

The Braiding Wildlife Knowledges: Common threads connecting place-based work in ecology and evolution symposium will consider knowledge co-production that is inclusive of Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, grounded in place-based collaboration, and focussed on shared knowledge priorities about wildlife. Meaningful and effective braiding of wildlife knowledges can help to ensure research agendas and conservation outcomes reflect collective understanding and lead to positive impact. Braided work is significant because it i) centers Indigenous peoples, lands, and priorities at the forefront of the research, ii) explicitly recognizes the inherent validity of multiple ways of knowing and doing, iii) applies co-produced wildlife knowledges to local conservation, adaptation, and well-being outcomes, and iv) advances learning and impact by building bridges between place-based projects. This symposium will highlight knowledge braiding approaches and impacts related to the ecology and evolution of culturally significant wildlife across a diverse set of place-based initiatives. We aim to dedicate the final two presentation slots to a panel to consider shared learnings and common threads about knowledge braiding across diverse place-based projects.

Global change is transforming landscapes in both space and time, yet ecological theory often considers spatial and temporal environmental variability separately. Although the knowledge gained this way has been fundamental, there is a need to unite these dimensions towards understanding the role that spatio-temporal variation plays in ecological dynamics. This session will aim to do so by highlighting theoretical and empirical advances that unpack spatial and temporal variation as both drivers and consequences of ecological dynamics in changing landscapes. Collectively, these talks will integrate the interactive roles of spatial connectivity, climate variability, and species interactions, and showcase a range of mathematical, conceptual and applied approaches to modeling changes in the environmental "arena" for ecological dynamics. The goal of this session is to link these changes to population persistence, spatial patterning and (meta-)ecosystem resilience, particularly in the face of global change.

Microbial communities play fundamental roles in ecosystem function and resilience, driving nutrient cycles, influencing host health, and responding dynamically to environmental changes. This symposium will explore cutting-edge research in microbial ecology and evolution across diverse ecosystems, including terrestrial, aquatic, and host-associated environments. By uniting perspectives from different ecological domains, we aim to highlight the shared principles and unique adaptations shaping microbial dynamics. Speakers will present advances in microbial biogeography, host-microbe interactions, and the evolution of microbial traits under environmental pressures. Topics include the role of microbes in shaping ecosystem services, adaptation to extreme environments, and cross-ecosystem comparisons of microbial diversity and function. The symposium emphasizes the application of novel approaches such as meta-omics, experimental evolution, and computational modeling to explore microbial complexity. Discussions will focus on unifying concepts in microbial ecology and the translational potential of microbial insights for ecosystem management and conservation. This event aims to inspire collaboration and foster interdisciplinary perspectives, advancing our understanding of microbes as integral drivers of ecological and evolutionary processes.

Human activities are altering the breeding time of a broad range of species, impacting their interactions and ecosystem dynamics. This symposium will explore variation in the timing of life-history in a broad range of human-altered environments, from the disruption of existing synchronies to the challenges faced by species reproducing in novel environments. We will address the role of introduced species in reshaping phenological interactions within communities, and explore how climate change and ex situ breeding environments might be impacting phenological cues and the timing of reproduction. Specifically, we hope to highlight the diversity of ways that human activities might alter phenological events and determine what the consequences of these changes might be for the evolution, ecology, or conservation of the studied species.

Weaving Wildlife Knowledges Panel

This is an excellent opportunity to network, reflect on the morning's work, and prepare for the afternoon sessions. You may also enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace! Please note that bringing outside food into the Delta is prohibited. Those who did not select meals during registration must consume their meals outside the conference center.

Biodiversity modelling

Trophic Network

This year’s SWEEET will explore how barriers to effective and equitable science communication in ecology and evolution - particularly language and cultural obstacles - affect knowledge transfer and science accessibility across diverse audiences. These issues are often compounded by systemic inequities, creating additional challenges for researchers to communicate their work inclusively and effectively. Led by invited speakers, this event will include a presentation and guided discussion on inclusive science communication, offering insights into the barriers researchers face and potential solutions. We will also include a hands-on activity, such as designing graphical abstracts, to highlight inclusive science communication techniques. This interactive segment will provide participants with practical tools to create visuals that effectively convey research findings to diverse audiences, empowering them to integrate inclusive communication practices into their work. By combining expert insights, participant-driven discussion, and skill-building activities, SWEEET aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to advance equity, accessibility, and inclusion in science communication.

Take a breather and mingle with peers during our coffee break. It's the perfect opportunity to discuss the morning's insights, refresh, and energize yourself for the upcoming sessions.

Microbial ecology

Science in action

This year’s SWEEET will explore how barriers to effective and equitable science communication in ecology and evolution - particularly language and cultural obstacles - affect knowledge transfer and science accessibility across diverse audiences. These issues are often compounded by systemic inequities, creating additional challenges for researchers to communicate their work inclusively and effectively. Led by invited speakers, this event will include a presentation and guided discussion on inclusive science communication, offering insights into the barriers researchers face and potential solutions. We will also include a hands-on activity, such as designing graphical abstracts, to highlight inclusive science communication techniques. This interactive segment will provide participants with practical tools to create visuals that effectively convey research findings to diverse audiences, empowering them to integrate inclusive communication practices into their work. By combining expert insights, participant-driven discussion, and skill-building activities, SWEEET aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to advance equity, accessibility, and inclusion in science communication.

Please join us for a short informative meeting to learn more about: -Key society activities from the past year -Funding opportunities for members -Important changes to CSEE -Meet your new council members -Updates from our partners and how they benefit you -Information about upcoming meetings -How you can get involved in CSEE Find the full agenda here: https://csee-scee.ca/wp-content/uploads/CSEE-AGM-2025-AGA2025-SCEE.pdf Please note a vibrant society requires active engagement from its membership. The meeting will need a minimum quorum of 40 members.

Our closing ceremony will offer a time for reflection on the conference's key learnings, with final remarks from the event organizers. We'll also be revealing student presentation prizes and details for next year's conference.