DEADLINE APPROACHING: CONGEN2025, the Cheetah Conservation Fund Research Center, Namibia REGULAR APPLICATION IS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 ConGen GLOBAL is offering a new ConGen course: the 2025 Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics course (CONGEN2025), which will be held at the Cheetah Conservation Fund Research Center, Namibia, from January 5-15, 2025. Application is free until September 15th, 2024: you will not need to pay the registration fee before receiving the acceptance letter. Please fill out this form (https://conservationgenetics.org/congen2025/congen2025-application/) to be considered as one of the participants for the course. The comprehensive registration fee of $2,750 includes tuition, and 10 days of inclusive accommodation, meals, and course-related transportation in Namibia. Participants are responsible for their travel arrangements to Namibia. CONGEN2025 is an immersive course that will accommodate 25-30 students. It is open to applicants from any part of the world, but prioritizing acceptance for the participants from African nations, and will feature 15-20 distinguished faculty members from across the globe. It aims to delve into the latest methodologies, interpretations, and practical applications of genetic and genomic analyses in the conservation of endangered species. Our faculty will impart their knowledge on cutting-edge technologies, research methodologies, and the practical application of population-based studies in conservation efforts. To receive full consideration, applications must be submitted before September 15, 2024. Application for ConGen2025 acceptance is a competitive process: the committee will evaluate your application and will mail you an acceptance letter if you are qualified. Successful applicants will be notified of the committee's decision by September 20, 2024. They will have until October 1, 2024, to pay a registration deposit of $1,375, or forfeit their placement to the next person on the waiting list. The full registration fee of $2,750 must be paid by October 15, 2024. If the registration fee is not paid on time, your place will be offered to the next applicant on the waiting list. Accommodations will be provided at the CCF Educational Lightfoot Camp near Otjiwarongo, Namibia, offering an authentic African experience. The camp features basic but comfortable huts with essential amenities. Shared facilities include wash stations with open-air showers and a communal kitchenette. A picnic and fire area is available for relaxation and socializing. Additional accommodations may include dormitories or rondavels. The course is organized by esteemed professionals, including local hosts Dr. Laurie Marker and Dr. Anne Schmidt-Küntzel of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia, and members of the ConGen Organization Committee from various prestigious institutions worldwide. The ConGen Organization Committee members are Stephen J. O'Brien (NOVA Southeastern University, FL, USA, chair), Taras K. Oleksyk (Oakland University, MI, USA), Emma Teeling (University College Dublin, Ireland), Eduardo Eizirik (PUCRS, Brazil), Laurie Marker (CEO Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia), Cindy Harper (University of Pretoria Veterinary College, South Africa), Laurie Goodman (Executive Editor, GigaScience), and Klaus-Peter Koepfli (Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, George Mason University, USA). The CONGEN2025 course, now in its 29th year, continues to evolve, highlighting the latest advancements in conservation genetics and genomics. The curriculum includes plenary lectures, hands-on tutorials, and practical applications, addressing a wide range of topics from study design to the integration of AI in conservation genomic data analysis. For more information and examples of past course schedules, please visit our website: www.conservationgenetics.org/congen2025. Tarás K. Oléksyk, Ph.D. Co-Chair, Executive Committee ConGen GLOBAL Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences Oakland University Dodge Hall, Rm. #367 118 Library Dr Rochester, MI 48309-4479 office: +1 (248) 370-3359 fax: (248) 370-4225 oleksyk@oakland.edu https://oakland.edu/biology/directory/oleksyk Taras Oleksyk (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)