COST Action CA22108
2 - 5 SEPTEMBER IN BADAJOZ, SPAIN
We are delighted to announce the VII International Conference of Malaria and other blood Parasite of Wildlife & IV International Symposium of Wildlife Diseases Research Network, which will take place in Badajoz, Spain, from 02 - 05 September 2026.
Wildlife Malaria Network pre-conference Summer Training School:
30 August - 01 September 2026.
More information here.
This congress will bring together researchers from around the world working on malaria and other blood parasites in wildlife, fostering discussion across disciplines such as ecology, evolution, parasitology, genomics, epidemiology, and conservation. The meeting aims to provide a vibrant forum to share the latest discoveries, develop new collaborations, and explore emerging ideas in the study of host–parasite interactions in natural systems.
Badajoz, located in the beautiful region of Extremadura, offers a unique setting rich in biodiversity and an ideal environment for scientific exchange and networking. We are excited to welcome scientists at all career stages and look forward to a stimulating week of talks, discussions, and collaboration.
We very much hope you will join us in Badajoz in 2026 and be part of this exciting gathering of the international community studying malaria and other blood parasites in wildlife.
General Information & Deadlines
The VII International Conference of Malaria and other blood Parasite of Wildlife & IV International Symposium of Wildlife Diseases Research Network brings together researchers from across the globe to discuss recent advances in the study of haemosporidian parasites, spanning fields such as evolutionary ecology, epidemiology, genomics, and host–parasite interactions. This academic meeting provides a platform for sharing knowledge on blood parasites and their impact on wildlife populations worldwide, fostering dialogue and collaboration among scientists working at the interface of ecology, parasitology, and biodiversity research.
Key Conference Dates
- Conference Dates: 2 - 5 September 2026
(Note: only partial travel days on 1st and 6th are fundable) - Registration: 16 March to 15 August 2026
- Abstract Submission: 16 March to 10 May 2026
- Funding applications for WIMANET members: 16 March to 16 April 2026 (registration must have taken place before applying for funding)
- Funding decisions for WIMANET members: 1 May 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 10 June 2026
The conference is funded by WiMaNet (Wildlife Malaria Network), an international research network supported by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) programme. WiMaNet aims to strengthen collaboration among researchers studying malaria parasites and other haemosporidians in wildlife, promoting interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, training opportunities for early-career scientists, and the development of coordinated approaches to understand the ecology, evolution, and global distribution of these parasites. Through scientific presentations, workshops, and discussions, the conference seeks to promote international cooperation and scientific excellence in the study of blood-borne parasites affecting wildlife and global biodiversity.
Committees
Organizing Committee
Berta Caro Puértolas – University of Extremadura
José Marín Sánchez Murillo – Official College of Veterinarians of Badajoz
Cecilio Venegas Fito – Official College of Pharmacists of Badajoz
Jenny Dunn – Keele University
Alfonso Marzal Reynolds – University of Extremadura
Luz García-Longoria Batanete – University of Extremadura
Ricardo Jorge Lopes – University of Lisbon
Irene Hernández Caballero – University of Extremadura
Wendy Flores Saavedra – University of Extremadura
Jessica Jimenez Peñuela – Doñana Biological Station
Carlos Mora Rubio – University of Extremadura
Clara Portilla Rodriguez – University of Extremadura
Sergio Magallanes Argany – Doñana Biological Station
Josué Martinez-de la Puente– Doñana Biological Station
Jesús Veiga Neto – Doñana Biological Station
Joao Tomás Cruz – University of Lisbon
Antonia Calvo Cano – University of Extremadura
Nubia Matta – National University of Colombia
Wenhua Xiong – Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zhibin Zhang – Chinese Academy of Sciences
Scientific Committee
Jenny Dunn – Keele University
Luz García-Longoria Batanete – University of Extremadura
Nayden Chakarov – Bielefeld University
Ricardo Jorge Lopes – University of Lisbon
Mélanie Duc – State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre
Ravinder Sehgal – San Francisco State University
Josué Martínez de la Puente – Doñana Biological Station
Carolina Chagas – State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre
Swen Renner – Natural History Museum Vienna
Diego Santiago-Alarcón – University of South Florida
Kasun Bodawatta – University of Copenhagen and Lund University
Daliborka Stankovic – University of Belgrade
Martina Ferraguti – Doñana Biological Station
Rafael Gutiérrez – Health Institute Carlos III
Alexandra Corduneanu – University of Cluj-Napoca
Alfonso Marzal Reynolds – University of Extremadura
Edward Netherlands – University of the Free State
Antonia Calvo Cano – University of Extremadura
Miguel Ángel Garcia Bereguiain – University of the Americas
Agustín Muñoz Sanz – University of Extremadura
Nubia E. Matta – National University of Colombia
Erika M. Braga – Federal University of Minas Gerais
Hector Fabio Rivera-Gutierrez – University of Antioquia
María Andreína Pacheco – Temple University
Ananías Escalante – Temple University
Olof Hellgren – Lund University
Vaidas Palinauskas – State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre
Yukita Sato – Iwate University
Xi Huang – Beijing Normal University
Santiago Merino – National Museum of Natural Sciences
ESSENTIAL DETAILS
Rigorous Standards for Global Scientific Excellence
This International Conference serves as a critical forum for the exchange of advanced research on blood parasites affecting wildlife. Participants are expected to adhere to specific scientific presentation norms to ensure data integrity and academic rigor. Key information regarding abstract submission, technical equipment availability, and manuscript guidelines is provided to facilitate a seamless professional experience.
