Prof Tonjock Rosemary Kinge, Associate Professor of Mycology and Phytopathology and the Head of Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science in the University of Bamenda, Cameroon, invited over 70 students and early career scientists for a 2-day training & conference in January 2025 focusing on biodiversity and conservation.  The conference kicked off with a  keynote speech from Prof. Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem, Suez Canal University, Ismalia Egypt, titled : Save the Forgotten Kingdom in Africa.

Conference organizer Dr. Tonjock described the conference as a novel opportunity for conservation experts, students and early career researchers to discuss the new technologies ad trends in research in the biodiversity and conservation of organisms. JRS is thrilled to be a supporter of this successful event in partnership with the University of Bamenda.

A pre-conference workshop focused on using the iNaturalist mobile app to document and share edible and poisonous mushrooms information to communities in Cameroon. Other training themes included methods and skills of DNA barcoding for students and early career researchers, and executing projects with DNA barcoding for fungi, plants, insects and animals to improve biodiversity and conservation data.

Day 1 of the conference featured two panel discussions around the topic of Biodiversity Systematics and Conservation; a roundtable discussion on tips on obtaining scholarships, fellowships and grants and a very popular poster session and networking session.

Day 2 of the conference offered 3 panel discussions on the topics of: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation and Services, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge for Conservation, and Biodiversity and Multidisciplinary: Biodiversity and International Collaboration.