Leibniz-IZW-Seminars

The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research regularly organizes scientific seminars on various topics, in which invited speakers or IZW scientists present their work in the form of a lecture. The free lectures take place in the lecture hall of the IZW and are also broadcast live via video.
Interested persons are cordially invited to attend the Leibniz-IZW-Seminars in person or online. You are welcome to sign up for our newsletter at izwseminar@izw-berlin.de. The lectures will be held mostly in English.

Upcoming events

26th August 2026, 1 p.m.
Dr. Rodrigo Serra (CNRLI Iberian Lynx Breeding Centre)
The Iberian lynx Ex Situ Program - 20 years of recovery of a Critically Endangered Species
The Iberian lynx ex situ conservation program was launched in 2001 to establish a healthy, genetically viable captive population supporting future reintroductions. A coordinated Spanish–Portuguese breeding network integrated multidisciplinary research and genetic, reproductive and behavioral management, leading to pre-release training and release. By 2025, 835 cubs had been produced from over 460 breeding events, enabling the release of 424 lynxes and contributing substantially to the species’ recovery from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable. Future priorities include maintaining genetic diversity and adequate population size, managing enclosure capacity, sustaining continued reintroductions to reach a Favorable Conservation Status. The Iberian lynx came back from an extinction vortex - from under a 100 individuals at the beginning of the XXIst century to over 2663 lynxes in 2025.

26th August 2026, 1:45 p.m.
Marta Cabaça (CNRLI Iberian Lynx Breeding Centre)
From Socialisation to Reintroduction: Applying Animal Behaviour to the Ex Situ Conservation of the Iberian Lynx
Animal behaviour is an essential component of conservation breeding programs, providing information that can directly inform animal management, welfare and reintroduction decisions. At the Iberian Lynx National Breeding Centre (CNRLI), applied animal behaviour is integrated throughout the reproductive and rearing process, from the socialisation and formation of breeding pairs to cub development and preparation for reintroduction. Behavioural monitoring and assessment inform management decisions at each stage, including the evaluation of pair compatibility, reproductive behaviour, maternal care, cub development, and, in later stages, the evaluation of behaviours and skills essential for survival in the wild.

09th September 2026, 1 p.m.
Laura Bertola (National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India)
Harnessing genomic resources for informing conservation decisions
Abstract follows

30th September 2026, 1 p.m.
Dr. Joseph Durant (Netherlands Institute of Ecology)
Title & Abstract follows

7th October 2026, 1 p.m.
Dr. Robert Koban (QIAGEN GmbH)
Digital PCR with Nanoplates: dPCR as easy as qPCR – seminar including instrument demonstration
Abstract follows

14th October 2026, 1 p.m.
Dr. Smadar Tal (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
From Dam to Neonate: Microbial, Metabolic, and Functional Pathways Shaping Early-Life Development in Dogs
Abstract follows

18th November 2026, 1 p.m.
Marlène Gamelon (French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS))
Title & Abstract follows

16th December 2026, 1 p.m.
Prof. Maria-Jesús Sánchez Calabuig (Complutense University of Madrid)
Title & Abstract follows

Contact
Organization
Constanze Wiechert
Tel: +49(0) 30 5168-336
E-Mail: wiechert@izw-berlin.de, izwseminar@izw-berlin.de

Technical support
Dorina Meneghini
Tel. +49(0)30 5168-340
E-Mail: meneghini@izw-berlin.de

Christine Reusch
Tel. +49(0)30 5168-123
E-Mail: reusch@izw-berlin.de

Accounting
Stefanie Lenz
Tel: +49(0)30 5168-459
E-Mail: lenz@izw-berlin.de


Last Update: 10. August 2026