ZAMBI 2026
July 6-9, 2026
Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Preliminary Meeting Program
Additional training workshops and excursions will be added to the schedule as they become confirmed.
Day 0 — Monday July 6th: Workshop & Trainee-Mentor Networking Social
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Arrival
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Participant Arrival
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2:00pm
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Opening Statements
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Conference Organizers
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Welcome and introduction to the ZAMBI meeting.
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3:00pm
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Research Data Management Workshop
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Organisation: Ben Fisher and Robert Beiko
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6:30pm
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Social Networking Event/Dinner
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An opportunity for trainees and mentors to connect in an informal setting.
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Day 1 — Tuesday July 7th: Evolution
Theme Leads: Finlay Maguire & Tarra Penney
Evolutionary theory and analyical approaches (such as phylogenetics/phylodynamics and experimental studies) are central to tracking the change and spread of pathogens and pathogen traits including antimicrobial resistance across interconnected human, animal, and environmental systems. These analyses underpin One Health approaches by generating actionable evidence for risk assessment and preparedness. They also directly inform policy decisions and multi-sector systems change, enabling more resilient surveillance architectures, targeted interventions, and cross-disciplinary governance.
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9:00am
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Welcome & Opening Plenary
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Opening plenary for Day 1: Evolution
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10:00am
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Coffee & Tea Break
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10:30am
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Research Session: Faculty/Experienced Trainee Talks
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Speaker 1 (30 min), Speaker 2 (30 min), Speaker 3 (30 min)
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Research presentations from faculty and experienced trainees on topics related to pathogen evolution, phylogenetics, and computational approaches in One Health.
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1:00pm
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Technique/Training Focused Session
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Speaker 1 (30 min), Speaker 2 (30 min)
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Presentations focusing on explaining methodology and available resources, linking to the morning research sessions.
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2:00pm
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Coffee & Tea Break
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2:30pm
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Parallel Sessions (Trainee-Focused Presentations)
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Session A: 5 Speakers (18 min each) | Session B: 5 Speakers (18 min each)
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4:00pm
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Evening Plenary
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Closing plenary session for Day 1.
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5:00pm
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Breather
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Free time before evening events.
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7:00pm
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Poster Session
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Evening poster presentations and networking.
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Day 2 — Wednesday July 8th: Environmental Ecology and Microbial Communities
Theme Leads: Rob Beiko & Natalie Diether
Field-based environmental sequencing, eDNA, community ecology, and microbiome research are regularly used to characterize the ecological interactions that shape health across human, animal, and environmental systems. These insights guide One Health responses such as microbiome stewardship, informing environmental and public-health policy, and enable systems-level changes that improve ecosystem resilience, surveillance, and resource management.
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9:00am
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Welcome & Opening Plenary
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Opening plenary for Day 2: Environmental Ecology and Microbial Communities
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10:00am
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Coffee & Tea Break
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10:30am
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Research Session: Faculty/Experienced Trainee Talks
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Speaker 1 (30 min), Speaker 2 (30 min), Speaker 3 (30 min)
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Research presentations from faculty and experienced trainees on topics related to environmental sequencing, eDNA, community ecology, and microbiome research.
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1:00pm
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Technique/Training Focused Session
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Speaker 1 (30 min), Speaker 2 (30 min)
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Presentations focusing on explaining methodology and available resources, linking to the morning research sessions.
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2:00pm
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Coffee & Tea Break
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2:30pm
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Parallel Sessions (Trainee-Focused Presentations)
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Session A: 5 Speakers (18 min each) | Session B: 5 Speakers (18 min each)
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Junior trainee-focused presentations and lightning talks. To be confirmed but potential external visitor/tour replacing one of these sessions.
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4:00pm
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Evening Plenary
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Closing plenary session for Day 2.
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7:00pm
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Conference Dinner
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Conference dinner location to be confirmed
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Day 3 — Thursday July 9th: Applied One Health Research
Theme Leads: Zhenyu Cheng & Caroline Ritter
Applied laboratory and translational research (including on novel therapeutics and vaccines) are key preparedness and response activities to address risks from emerging zoonotic pathogens and growing antimicrobial resistance across the One Health spectrum. This diverse area of research is driven by cross-sector collaboration and also generates key evidence for policy and operational decision-making while incorporating engagement strategies that enhance impact.
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9:00am
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Welcome & Opening Plenary
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Opening plenary for Day 3: Applied One Health Research
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10:00am
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Coffee & Tea Break
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10:30am
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Research Session: Faculty/Experienced Trainee Talks
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Speaker 1 (30 min), Speaker 2 (30 min), Speaker 3 (30 min)
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Research presentations from faculty and experienced trainees on topics related to novel therapeutics, vaccines, and outbreak investigation.
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1:00pm
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Technique/Training Focused Session
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Speaker 1 (30 min), Speaker 2 (30 min)
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Presentations focusing on explaining methodology and available resources, linking to the morning research sessions.
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2:00pm
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Coffee & Tea Break
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2:30pm
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Parallel Sessions (Trainee-Focused Presentations)
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Session A: 5 Speakers (18 min each) | Session B: 5 Speakers (18 min each)
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Trainee-focused presentations and lightning talks. Tours available as an option.
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4:00pm
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Evening Plenary
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Closing plenary session for Day 3
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