Report on Participation in the IUBS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026
The International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS) General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 was held at the National Science Seminar Complex, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, India, from 09-13 June 2026 under the theme ‘Biodiversity Forever Despite the Anthropocene’. The event brought together scientists, academicians, educators, policy experts, and representatives of scientific organizations from across the globe to deliberate on emerging biological challenges and opportunities through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The conference commenced with an inaugural session in which Dr. L.S. Shashidhara, Director, NCBS (Past President, IUBS), welcomed delegates on behalf of the organizers. The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Karl-Josef Dietz, President, IUBS (2023-2026), followed by remarks and the vote of thanks by Prof. Renee M. Borges, Secretary General, IUBS. A major highlight of the scientific programme was the keynote lecture by Dr. Pavan Sukhdev, Founder and CEO, GIST Impact, Switzerland, who emphasized biodiversity economics, sustainability transitions, and integration of ecological valuation into development and policy frameworks. The plenary sessions featured internationally renowned experts: Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, who spoke on global health perspectives, science policy, and sustainability; Dr. Vandana Prasad, who discussed palaeobiology and long-term environmental change; and Dr. Teatulohi Matainaho, who highlighted the importance of international scientific cooperation and biological sciences for sustainable futures.
The thematic symposia addressed a broad range of contemporary biological issues, including One Health approaches, biodiversity conservation policies, marine and mangrove ecosystem conservation, biodiversity monitoring technologies, precision agriculture and sustainable crop protection, pastoralism, chemical ecology, and interdisciplinary research at the geology-biology interface. Distinguished contributors to these discussions included Dr. Vijay Chandru, Dr. Charles Masembe, Dr. Farah Ishtiaq, and Dr. Uma Ramakrishnan, who provided insights into integrated and evidence-based approaches to global environmental and biological challenges. Poster sessions formed an important component of the programme and provided an effective platform for researchers, students, and institutions to showcase scientific outcomes, exchange ideas, and build collaborations. The strong participation of young researchers reflected the conference’s role in promoting scientific engagement and capacity building.
The statutory General Assembly deliberated in the presence of the President, Secretary General, Past President, Executive Director, executive, and other members/representatives of IUBS on achievements of the previous triennium, proposed IUBS Scientific Programs (2026-2029), future scientific priorities, biodiversity initiatives, open science, climate education, and international collaborative research. Elections for the IUBS Executive Committee (2026–2029) were also conducted during this general assembly. A notable milestone of the event was that the 107-year-old IUBS organized its General Assembly and associated symposium in India after nearly 50 years, reaffirming India’s growing role in advancing biological sciences and strengthening international scientific partnerships. More than 300 participants were registered. The symposium offered a valuable platform for scientific exchange, networking, and future global collaborations.
Dr. S.K Deshmukh, President, Association of Fungal Biologists (AFB), India
Dr. Sanjay Singh, Scientist (NFCCI-ARI) & Member, Managing Committee (AFB)