Call for abstracts

You are invited to submit an abstract and select one of the four main presentation formats: Talk, Masterclass, Discussion session or a Video poster or speed talks. Please keep in mind you may be asked to consider a different format, depending on the review committee's response and further programme development.

Click here for an overview and explanation of the different presentation formats

Please visit the EEC25 Abstract submission page to create an account as an author and to start submitting your abstract. 

Deadline for abstract submission: 23 October 2024

For questions about the EEC25 programme and themes please contact carolina.collinge@eaza.net 

EAZA Education Conference theme 2025:  Zoo educators creating global conservation impact

The education work of zoos and aquaria has the potential to contribute to local communities, national agendas and global conservation goals and targets. The EAZA Education Conference 2025 will explore the role and impact of zoo education and the different ways in which zoo educators can contribute to societal change and conservation locally, nationally and globally, through the following themes:

• Evidencing our impact
• Developing our role as leaders
• Enhancing human wellbeing
• Ensuring everyone has a voice
• Finding new ways to engage people with conservation

We invite delegates to submit Video Posters and Talks showcasing how zoo education programmes are connecting with global conservation frameworks and organisations, including the Global Biodiversity Framework, Sustainable Development Goals, COP treaties and the work of the IUCN, as well as the national, regional and international zoo associations. We also welcome proposals for Discussion Sessions that enable participants to reflect on how zoo educators can play a further role in shaping and contributing to these global agendas and initiatives.  

 Evidencing our impact

Being able to evidence the role that zoo education can play in achieving conservation and contributing to society is key to demonstrating the value of the work we do, particularly in the context of policy change and global conservation agendas. The conference aims to explore the evaluation methods that educators are using, how we collaborate with research institutions and how evidence about the impact of zoo education can be used to effect change.

Abstract submission note:Video Posters and Talks that describe effective evaluation processes and share research findings, Masterclasses that support educators to develop research, evaluation and/or monitoring skills and Discussion Sessions that reflect on the impact of research findings or theories on our practice or that enable participants to contribute to research programmes or agendas.

Developing our role as leaders

Education is key to resolving the biodiversity and climate crises. In order to fully realise this potential, educators need to be able to not only lead their own increasingly complex areas of work, but input into the leadership of the conservation sector as a whole. In this strand we’ll explore what it means to be a leader in the field of zoo education, how we can develop our skills as leaders and what we need to do to champion the role of education as a strategic level.

Abstract submission note:Video Posters and Talks showcasing how collections are developing the skills of educators or inspiring the leaders of the future and Masterclasses that enable participants to develop their leadership skills, Discussion Sessions focused on the role of educators as leaders and how they can contribute to the wider sector’s leadership are also welcomed.   

Enhancing human wellbeing

Poor mental health and wellbeing are key societal issues, especially since the global coronavirus pandemic. Alongside this there has been growing recognition of the role that connecting with nature can play in supporting positive human wellbeing, leading to the emergence of green social prescribing programmes and other wildlife and wellbeing focused initiatives. This strand will explore the potential of zoos to support human wellbeing through supporting nature connectedness and through working in partnership with wellbeing practitioners.

Abstract submission note: Video Posters and Talks that showcase wellbeing programmes in zoos and aquaria and Masterclasses that will enable zoo educators to develop their skills in supporting connection to nature and wellbeing, Discussion Sessions focused on the role of zoos in supporting wider societal agendas, the one health approach and health related initiatives are also welcomed.

Ensuring everyone has a voice in conservation

 Educators often have a key role to play in bringing in and engaging with new audiences and ensuring that groups who are often excluded from decision making roles have a voice. This is especially true of our work with children and young people. We’ll explore how zoos can connect more with the growing youth-led environmental movement and the role that zoos can play in supporting young people to have a role in conservation decision making.

Abstract submission note: Video Posters and Talks that showcase how zoos have collaborated with young people to create conservation programmes or include young people in the governance of their organisation, Masterclasses that will increase educators’ skills in co-creating with audiences and/or working with young people and Discussion Sessions focused around themes of youth governance and participation models, particularly the ethics and power dynamics associated with developing programmes with rather than for different audiences.

Finding new ways to engage people with conservation

As the conservation sector changes, the biodiversity and climate crisises become more urgent and the expectations of our audiences change, we are required to constantly innovate and to find new ways of engaging people with conservation. One of the ways that we are able to do this is by working in partnership with those outside our sector, exploring new technologies such as AI, AR and VR or by borrowing techniques from different industries, such as game-making, theatre and broadcasting. 

Abstract submission note: Video Posters and Talks that focus on new and innovative methods, unusual collaborations and practice that pushes the boundaries of what is expected, Masterclasses that enable delegates to learn new skills and try out new ways to engage audiences and Discussion Sessions exploring some of the challenges of new techniques, ethical issues or other considerations.

Programme

More information about the speakers, sessions and set-up of the programme will follow in due course