MINGZ funded Conference Participation: Nicole in Australia

Foto: UHH/Acosta

The MIN Graduate Center supports doctoral researchers by travel grants for conferences and research stays. The experiences on these trips are diverse and very interesting. Here is a report by Nicole Acosta about attending the International Congress for Conservation Biology 2025 in Brisbane, Australia:

I am grateful for the support from MINGZ, which enabled my participation in the International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) 2025 in Meeanjin/Brisbane, Australia, as well as a research visit to Macquarie University. At ICCB, the world’s largest and most influential gathering of conservation professionals, I presented my research on the intertwined challenges of invasive plant spread and food security in the Galapagos Islands. My work, which uses a mathematical programming model to optimize land use for both food self-sufficiency and environmental conservation, was well received and lead into valuable discussions with international colleagues.

The conference provided an exceptional platform to exchange ideas with over 1,700 experts from more than 90 countries, attend inspiring keynote talks, and participate in networking events that broadened my perspective on global conservation challenges. Beyond the conference, I took the opportunity to spend a week at the Galleria Research Facility at Macquarie University. This research visit was particularly fruitful, as I was able to observe cutting-edge laboratory work and discuss innovative approaches to ecosystem restoration in the face of microplastics pollution. Engaging directly with the facility’s technicians and researchers gave me a deeper understanding of their methodologies and opened the door to future research collaborations.

The hands-on experience and exchange of knowledge will undoubtedly enrich my own research and contribute to building stronger international partnerships. The benefits of this trip extend far beyond the presentation of my own work. Participating in ICCB 2025 allowed me to connect with leading conservation scientists, learn about the latest advances in the field, and gain insights into the practical application of interdisciplinary research. The conference’s commitment to inclusivity and knowledge sharing created a dynamic environment where I could both contribute to and learn from the global conservation community. My research visit to Macquarie University complemented this experience by fostering direct collaboration and knowledge transfer in a critical area of environmental innovation.

Overall, the support from MINGZ was instrumental in making this enriching experience possible. The funding not only facilitated my academic and professional growth but also strengthened the ties between Universität Hamburg and leading international research institutions. I look forward to applying the insights gained and continuing to build on the connections made during this transformative journey.