Start with a species and a decision
Define the conservation problem, sampling strategy, and genetic questions before choosing an analysis.
ConGen 2027 · July 26–August 6
Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics:A ConGen GLOBAL International Course
An international course connecting genetic and genomic science with practical decisions for species and ecosystems at risk.
Applications open · ConGen 2027
Hood College · Frederick, Maryland
Explore
The course
From genomic data to conservation insight.
ConGen is an intensive international course built around the questions conservation scientists face in practice: how to design a study, analyze genetic data, interpret uncertainty, and connect results to real management choices.
ConGen has long paired lectures with hands-on computational tutorials and conservation case studies. Faculty share what worked, what proved difficult, and how evidence shaped decisions for species at risk.
The course recurs approximately every 18 months. ConGen 2027 will meet July 26–August 6 at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Applications are open; program and faculty details will follow.
Inside the course
Follow a conservation question from field problem to genetic evidence.
Lectures, computer sessions, and discussion work together. Participants examine what the data can tell us, where uncertainty remains, and how findings can inform conservation action.
Work at the computer
Examine genomic data, run methods with instructors, and learn to recognize assumptions and limits.
Explain what the results mean
Compare interpretations and discuss how strong evidence can support conservation practice.
ConGen 2027 syllabus
The detailed program is under construction. Explore the current outline and check back for updates.
View the developing syllabusSample program
Learn the methods. Work through the questions.
These examples come from an earlier ConGen planning syllabus. They show the range of learning activities; the ConGen 2027 program and speakers are still being developed.
View the developing 2027 syllabusView an earlier course syllabus
01
Conservation genetics foundations
Explore genetic diversity, population structure, and the questions genomic data can answer for biodiversity conservation.
02
Hands-on genomic analysis
Practice data quality control and methods for diversity, admixture, runs of homozygosity, genetic load, demographic history, and adaptation.
03
Genomics in practice
Work through conservation case studies, field activities, and an example of generating and analyzing sequencing data.
04
Scientific exchange
Join lectures, discussions, posters, and conversations about scientific integrity and publication ethics.
Who it's for
Different roles.
Shared purpose.
ConGen is for people using genetics to help conserve biodiversity: advanced graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, scientists, wildlife managers, and conservation professionals.
Participants bring questions from their own work and learn alongside an international faculty and peers from across disciplines and institutions.
Since1996Learning across borders
Our history
A course that has grown with the field.
Stephen J. O’Brien founded “Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics” in 1996. The early courses met in Virginia. Later editions traveled internationally, bringing local conservation questions and researchers into the classroom.
As genetic tools changed, so did ConGen: from earlier molecular markers and population genetics to genome-scale data and bioinformatics. Its purpose remains practical training for people working to conserve biodiversity.
From the archive
Earlier ConGen editions.
These snapshots come from original course announcements, schedules, and photographs. The linked documents are historical records; dates and application details in them are no longer current.
2025
Otjiwarongo, Namibia
January 5–15 · Cheetah Conservation Fund Research Center
The course brought conservation genetics and genomics training to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, with lectures, tutorials, and local conservation work.
View final 2025 schedule ↗
2023
Loretto, Pennsylvania
June 21–July 1 · Saint Francis University
Participants explored genome sequencing, variant discovery, diversity, inbreeding, and conservation applications through lectures and computer tutorials.
View final 2023 syllabus ↗
2018
Front Royal, Virginia
August 19–30 · Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center
The syllabus paired conservation genomics lectures with hands-on analysis, field visits, and public evening talks.
View original syllabus ↗View venue photo ↗
2016
Lake Balaton, Hungary
May 30–June 10 · Balaton Limnological Institute
ConGen’s first European edition combined international faculty with conservation genetics training on the shores of Lake Balaton.
View February 22 draft schedule (PDF) ↗Download March 7 planning schedule (Excel) ↓
2015
Rincón, Puerto Rico
January 10–22 · Rincón of the Seas
The Puerto Rico edition highlighted island biogeography and Neotropical conservation alongside genetics and genomics.
View original schedule ↗
2013
Southern Africa
May 15–25 · Southern African Wildlife College
Hosted near Kruger National Park, the course brought conservation scientists together for methods training and field experience.
View original course page ↗View original speakers ↗
2012
Gamboa, Panama
January 25–February 4
Hosted by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), the course combined lectures in population genetics, phylogenetics, biodiversity, and conservation with field activities on Barro Colorado Island ↗.
View original schedule ↗Leadership
The ConGen board.
President
ConGen community
Faculty through the years.
ConGen has learned from researchers and conservation practitioners across disciplines and countries. This historical roster comes from organizer records; it is not the faculty announcement for 2027.
- A. R. Hoelzel
- Agostinho Antunes
- Alfred L. Roca
- Anne Schmidt-Küntzel
- Audrey Majeske
- Axel Meyer
- Beth Shapiro
- Bridgett vonHoldt
- C. Scott Baker
- Carlos Driscoll
- Cindy Harper
- Dennis Larkin
- Eduardo Eizirik
- Emma Teeling
- Fred Allendorf
- Harris Lewin
- Henrique V. Figueiró
- Joan Pontius
- Jose V. Lopez
- Justin Merry
- Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Laurie Marker
- Mahmood Shivji
- Matthew Landers
- Michael Hofreiter
- Oliver Ryder
- Pete Skoner
- Rasmus Nielsen
- Robert Wayne
- Sam Wasser
- Scott Citino
- Sher Hendrickson-Lambert
- Stephen J. O’Brien
- Taras K. Oleksyk
- Tom Gilbert
- Tomàs Marquès-Bonet
- Warren Johnson
- William Murphy
Plan your visit
Frederick is part of the experience.
Get to know the city, the Hood College campus, the research history that connects ConGen to Frederick, and the region around it.
