OPEN CALL FOR HOST INSTITUTION

Annual Conference & General Meeting of ICOM NATHIST

(International Council of Museums – International Committee for Museums and Collections of Natural History)

ICOM NATHIST invites its members to submit expressions of interest to host the upcoming 2026 Annual Conference and General Meeting (AGM) of ICOM NATHIST.

This is a unique opportunity to bring the global natural history museum community to your institution, strengthen international networks, and highlight your local collections, research, and community engagement.

About the Meeting

The annual NATHIST conference brings together professionals in natural history museums, natural sciences, conservation, collections management, public engagement and museology studies. The meeting provides a platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing best practices, empowering emergent scholars and fostering international and cross-regional collaborations.

Host institutions will work closely with the NATHIST Board to deliver a high-quality, inclusive, and professionally enriching conference.

Conference Structure (Approx. Four Days)

Day 0

  • Meeting of the NATHIST Board
  • Orientation for participants
  • Informal welcoming event / networking gathering

Days 1–2: Academic Sessions

  • Two full days of presentations, panels, and discussions
  • Built-in opportunities for networking, including engagement with local communities

Days 3–4: Extended Excursion

  • Approximately two days of site visits and professional exchange
  • In-depth interaction with the host institution’s collections, research, and conservation teams
  • Opportunities for behind-the-scenes tours and knowledge sharing

Format

  • Hybrid format (online + in-person) strongly preferred
  • The host institution is encouraged to propose a conference theme relevant to current challenges or innovations in the natural history sector

Scheduling Constraints

  • June and July should be avoided, preferred August–November

Timeline Requirements

  • Close of open call: 7 months before
  • Announcement of host: 6.5 months before
  • Call for abstracts issued: 5.5 months before
  • Deadline for abstract submissions: 3.5 months before
  • Final decisions / notifications to presenters: 3 months before

What the Host Institution Should Provide

Applicants should outline their capacity to offer:

  • Suitable conference facilities (auditorium, breakout rooms, hybrid IT capacity)
  • Staffing and logistical support for on-site operations
  • Access to local field sites, laboratories, or collections for the extended excursion
  • A draft proposal for the conference theme to highlight both regional and international issues
  • A local organizing team that handles the registration, including collecting payments, and holds regular working meetings with NATHIST Board.
  • Engagement opportunities with local communities, organisations, researchers, or Indigenous groups
  • Estimated budget and information on financial or in-kind contributions
  • Accommodation and travel guidance for participants

How to Apply

Interested institutions are invited to submit:

  1. A short proposal (2–4 pages) describing:
    • Organizational capacity
    • Venue and technical facilities
    • Proposed conference theme
    • Outline of potential excursions
    • Accommodation and transport options
    • Hybrid participation arrangements
    • Estimated budget and registration fee 
  2. Contact information for the institutional lead and organising team
  3. Preferred dates within the recommended timeframe, noting major project checkpoints.

Applications should be emailed to both:

NATHIST Secretary, Mr. Nyundu KULUZA secretary.nathist@icom.museum , 

and NATHIST general gmail icom.nathist.generic@gmail.com 

 

Deadline for Submissions

Wednesday, 31st December 2025, 23:59, UTC+0

 

Contact

For questions or preliminary discussions, please contact the ICOM NATHIST Board at both:

NATHIST Secretary, Mr. Nyundu KULUZA secretary.nathist@icom.museum , 

and NATHIST general gmail icom.nathist.generic@gmail.com