TIBS 2026 in Aarhus: Connecting Biogeography, Culture, and Colleagues

Biogeography forms an important framework within the Temporal Ecology Lab (TEBLab), supporting research into how species distributions, environmental change, and human activities interact across long timescales. With this interest in biogeography, January brought travel to Aarhus (Denmark) for the 12th International Biogeography Society (TIBS) Biennial Conference, held from 6-10 January. Arriving in Aarhus meant stepping into crisp winter weather, a seasonal reminder that January in northern Europe keeps its character.

Once underway, the conference brought together researchers working on the spatial and temporal dynamics of biodiversity. Participation in Symposium 3: Bio(cultural)geography, organised by Sietze J. Norder (Utrecht University), offered the opportunity to explore research on the relationships between biological, cultural, and linguistic diversity. As part of this session, a contribution from TEBLab focused on ecological novelty in island ecosystems, examining how new ecological configurations emerge through changing forms of human cultural complexity.

The conference provided an excellent setting for discussions across biogeography, cultural geography, macroecology, and related fields. It also offered a welcome moment to reconnect with colleagues and collaborators, as well as to meet researchers working on complementary topics. TIBS remains one of the most rewarding and enjoyable conferences to attend, consistently providing a thoughtful and stimulating environment for biogeographical research! A final reminder that TIBS also hosts the Funk Lectures, an online seminar series offering accessible insights into recent advances in biogeographical research.