Call for applications: Sixth entomological training course: October, South Africa
Organisation: The training will be organized by several institutions: the Africa Museum (RMCA) in Belgium, and the KwaZulu-Natal Museum and Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and be supported by the University of Pretoria and the Burundian Office for the Protection of the Environment (Burundi).
Background:The objective of this group training is to ensure, for the sake of the African scientists or the persons confronted with the problem, a basic training on the identification and ecology of African Diptera, with special emphasis on those families (e.g., Bombyliidae, Calliphoridae, Nemestrinidae, Rhiniidae, Syrphidae, and pangonine Tabanidae) that have a significant role in plant-pollinator networks.The training course shall consist of ex-cathedra courses on morphology, classification, identification, identification methods, collection methods, and conservation methods of Diptera, with a focus on the target families listed above. Practical exercises will be used to comment on, and test, the topics presented in the courses.
Participants shall be asked to bring material they collected so it can be identified during practical work sessions. Likewise, should they have large data sets at their disposal, these may also be analysed.
When/where?: The course will take place at the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, in the Western Cape province of South Africa from13-24 October 2025 and be taught in English.
Participant profile and admission requirement:
The training can receive 10-12 participants, among whom researchers and employees who are confronted with pollinating flies on a professional level. They may be employees from agricultural institutes, professors of agricultural faculties, researchers from national or international institutions, etc. Participants must have a minimum level of knowledge in basic Diptera ecology. The candidatesโ maximum age at the start of the training should not exceed 45 years. Only applications from people with residence in Sub-Saharan Africa and working for an institution,ministry, research institute or university can be taken into consideration. Applications from consultants orindividuals cannot be accepted. Candidates must be citizens of one of the following countries: Benin, Burundi,Burkina Faso, Cรดte dโIvoire, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali,Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Scientists with a diploma other than MSc or PhD. should demonstrate a record of substantial work related to the subject that is presented (Diptera of the target families; plant-pollinator networks, etc.). All applications will be subject to an evaluation by internal experts. Applications are received between 1 April and 10 July 2025 (midnight).
More information on the trainings organized by the AfricaMuseum can be found on:http://www.africamuseum.be/research/collaborations/training . The call and application from can be downloaded from thePINDIP-website: https://www.pindip.org/trainings
Contact: Kurt Jordaens at kurt.jordaens[at]africamuseum.be
First published in the PINDIP Newsletter on 31 March 2025. Sign up for the PINDIP newsletter at https://www.pindip.org/