WIAS Annual Conference

Each year, WIAS organises the WIAS Annual Conference for PhD candidates, postdocs, academic and support staff of WIAS affiliated chair groups and offers an excellent opportunity to exchange the latest scientific developments in WIAS. 
For the first time, we extend our invitation to WLR, WMR and WBVR. This gives more scientists the possibility to connect with each other, engage with cutting-edge research and explore potential collaborations. 

Date: Monday 2 March 2026 
Location: Reehorst, Ede

PROGRAMME

Keynote speaker

Dr. Lara Cassidy
Ancient Genomics
Department of Genetics
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Ireland
 

Invited speakers

Dr. Alexander Kotrschal
Behavioral Ecology, WUR

Dr. Mirte Bosse
Animal Breeding and Genomics, WUR
 

Pitches

During the plenary sessions we will host pitches about multidisciplinary projects, collaborations or new developments within animal sciences.

PARALLEL & POSTER SESSIONS

During parallel sessions we will highlight research done by WIAS researchers. A poster session is held after the lunch break but posters will be visible throughout the whole day. 

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

We ask all PhD candidates attending this conference to submit an abstract for an oral or poster presentation during the conference. Postdocs and junior tenure trackers are strongly encouraged to also submit abstracts. Please indicate on the abstract form if you prefer a oral or poster presentation and indicate which theme corresponds to your research. The selection committees will select speakers for the oral presentations. Submit your abstract by following the format sent to you in the invitation email and send it to WIAS (wias@wur.nl) before January 15, 2026. Selected speakers will be informed before February 6, 2026.

REGISTRATION & FEES

Registration deadline February 2, 2026.

The conference is open for participants from WIAS and ASG. The registration fee for all participants is €100 for the full day including lunch and dinner. 

Cancellation conditions

Due to high costs for catering, and to avoid food waste, we employ a strict cancellation policy:   

• Cancellation free of charge up to February 2, 2026.  
• In case of cancellation after February 2, 2026, but prior to the conference day, the whole fee will be charged.  
• In case of no-show/no cancellation you will be charged the registration fee plus an additional administration fee of €50.