This week Zoology is hosting, for the 24th time, the Student Conference on Conservation Science. The event will bring together in person around 160 early career conservation researchers, plus many more attending online. They’re coming here from over 40 countries - to find out about one another’s work, learn skills, meet practitioners from across the Cambridge conservation community, and forge new friendships and collaborations.
Andrew Balmford, Professor of Conservation Science, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
This is truly a place where magic happens. I have had the huge privilege of being involved in the conference for many years. I attended the very 1st one as a student volunteer. Many of us who are no longer students remain involved because we love interacting with and learning from the brilliant student delegates. It is truly a high point of my year. SCCS is a place where professional networks (and friendships for life) are built and skills are learned. I’ve seen a Zimbabwean and Indian students both working on carnivore human coexistence spark a new collaboration, and someone with genius modelling skills get stuck into helping a fellow student for across the world with their analysis.
Julia Jones, Professor in Conservation Science, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, University of Bangor
"I'm looking forward to SCCS Cambridge as a platform to share my work on Indian Skimmer conservation and learn from a diverse community of conservationists. Engaging with experts and peers will help me refine strategies for community-based conservation and explore interdisciplinary approaches that blend ecology, policy, and social sciences.“ Parveen Shaikh (India)
“I am excited to attend the 2025 Student Conference on Conservation Science! I mostly look forward to networking with fellow conservationists, learning about the diverse research being undertaken, and engaging in peer-to-peer learning. I want to use this opportunity to share my experiences, gain new insights, and strengthen my contribution to conservation efforts for pangolins.” – Maina Malaya (Zambia)
"I was incredibly honoured for my poster to be accepted by the SCCS, and am also very grateful to be a UK bursary recipient, as it gave me the opportunity that I, being a mature and first-generation university student from a remote rural and low-income background, could only dream of.
I am very much excited to present my poster, thrilled to attend all the interesting talks and workshops, and also am looking forward to greeting the diversity of attendees from all around the world." Lana Tesh (UK and Siberia)
“I am incredibly excited to attend the Student Conference in Conservation Science and grateful for the opportunity to present our research. This is a fantastic platform to share ideas, connect with fellow students and gain valuable insights from experts in the field. I look forward to learning, exchanging knowledge and being inspired by the innovative work shaping the future of conservation”.Jesca Mchomvu (Tanzania)
"After missing last year's SCCS deadline, I was devastated! This year, I made it, and I can't wait to be inspired by all of the passionate young conservationists whose work reminds me that every effort, no matter how small, helps make the world a better place for both people and Mother Earth. Plus, I really look forward to visiting Pink Floyd's Grantchester Meadows!" Linh Bao Nguyen (Taiwan)