Collaborating and Connecting with Natural History

The Annual Conference & AGM of the Natural Sciences Collections Association (NatSCA) will be held on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th May 2026 at The Ulster Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Natural history collections are involved in a huge range of work that creates partnerships and fosters collaborations – this is a conference to share these stories. The NatSCA 2026 conference invites proposals for presentations looking at impact: how we work in partnership, including for example, with our community partners, NGOs, industry or communities of origin; how our work is making a difference; how we generate enthusiasm; and how we advocate for collections in a rapidly changing world. We are also interested in learning how our community can reconnect and recharge in the modern world.

We are interested in practical lessons, unique solutions, new collaborations, and to show what has and hasn’t worked. We are particularly looking for presentations that share the differences museums are making by using collections and programmes in:

• facing global challenges such as the biodiversity and climate crises, and environmental issues
• improving people’s lives, both within the museum community and without
• collaborations with external partners
• changing laws
• social justice, restitution, and addressing colonial legacies

We will prioritise papers that focus on sharing ideas, tools, and guidance rather than simply reporting results. We want to make this conference practical and useful, so please try to reflect this in your abstract.
While we have a focus on people that work with natural science collections, we recognise that we can learn from researchers and others in the wider museum sector. We welcome submissions from anyone who wishes to share techniques and ideas with broader relevance and application.

Papers can be presented as: A 20-minute presentation (consisting of a 15-minute talk followed by 5 minutes of Q&A), a 5-minute lightning talk, or a poster stand. Talks can be presented in person or by submission of a pre-recorded presentation, with the option of Q&A then being conducted over live video stream (Zoom).

Deadline for submission: 5pm GMT Sunday 8th February
Download submission form [Word Doc]
Please submit your completed form to: conference@natsca.org