Advanced Conservation Genomics

Dates

ONLINE, 28 September -1 October 2026

To foster international participation, this course will be held online

Overview

This advanced course provides an integrative framework for applying population and conservation genomics to real-world biodiversity management. It bridges evolutionary theory, genomic data analysis, and institutional decision-making, equipping participants with the conceptual and practical tools needed to translate genomic evidence into actionable conservation strategies.
The course is designed for researchers and practitioners who already work with genomic data and want to understand how advanced population genomic metrics can directly inform conservation priorities, management actions, and policy frameworks.
Emphasis is placed on interpretation, methodological limitations, and decision-making under uncertainty, rather than on purely descriptive analyses.

For participants seeking a more hands-on introduction to population genomics, including data handling, SNP filtering, and basic analyses, the course Conservation Genomics provides step-by-step exercises and practical experience.

Target audience

- PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, conservation geneticists

- Professionals working in conservation agencies, NGOs, or wildlife management

- Researchers involved in population genomics with an interest in applied conservation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1 - Interpret effective population size estimates and assess their relevance for conservation management

2 - Quantify and critically evaluate genetic load in wild populations
3 - Design and validate SNP panels tailored to specific conservation questions
4 - Apply population genomic results to assignment, hybrid detection, and monitoring programmes
5- Critically assess how genomic evidence can (and cannot) inform policy and legislative frameworks
6 - Translate complex genomic outputs into clear, defensible conservation recommendations

Program

Day 1 – Effective Population Size (Ne) (2:00–6:00 p.m. CET)

Theory
Effective population size (Ne) versus census size (Nc)
Contemporary Ne estimation (LD-based approaches)
Historical Ne reconstruction (PSMC and related methods)
Demographic bottlenecks and population recovery
Relationship between Ne and genetic load

Practical
Estimation of contemporary Ne using LD-based methods
Reconstruction of historical Ne using coalescent-based approaches

Discussion
Management implications of reduced Ne
What constitutes a “viable” Ne in conservation practice?

Day 2 – Genetic Load in Wild Populations (2:00–6:00 p.m. CET)

Theory
Definition and components of genetic load
Masked versus realized load
Deleterious mutations and purging dynamics

Practical
Allele polarisation (outgroup choice and ancestral state uncertainty)
Variant annotation workflows (SnpEff)
Use of conservation scores (GERP)

Discussion
Should conservation prioritize large populations or small, endangered ones?

Day 3 – SNP Panel Development for Conservation Applications (2:00–6:00 p.m. CET)

Theory
From whole-genome sequencing to targeted SNP panels
Criteria for SNP selection
Ascertainment bias
Assignment tests
Cost-efficiency and scalability considerations

Practical
SNP filtering strategies (MAF thresholds, LD pruning, call rate)
Design of purpose-specific panels (e.g. population assignment, hybrid detection)
Panel validation strategies
Assigning the origin of new samples

Discussion
What probability or likelihood threshold is acceptable for assignment in applied contexts?

Day 4 – International Legislation and Institutional Frameworks (2:00–4:00 p.m. CET)

Theory
Overview of international conservation frameworks (Convention on Biological Diversity, EU Habitat Directive, CITES, IUCN)
The role of genomics in international conservation policy
Invited speaker: integration of genetic indicators into IUCN guidelines

Open debate
How should hybrids be treated in conservation genomics?

Final roundtable
Translating genomic findings into policy-relevant recommendations