Biology Week: Citizen Science, Technology, & AI in Conservation Ecology - a lecture by Professor Anne Goodenough CBiol FRSB
An exclusive event for RSB members exploring how citizen science, technology and AI can answer ecological questions and inform conservation.
Details
When? Thursday 8 October 2026, 18:00 to 19:00
Members Only This is a members-only event
Where? Online (Zoom)
CPD Approved This event is approved for CPD
An exclusive event for RSB members exploring how citizen science, technology and AI can answer ecological questions and inform conservation
Talk outline
The ability to harness people, technology and AI is revolutionising conservation ecology. Such approaches can advance the speed, accuracy and rigour of ecological surveying to create evidence-informed conservation. Techniques can also be cost-effective and scalable ways to assess the effectiveness of management interventions.
This talk will explore the use of targeted citizen science campaigns, iEcology using social media and repositories to harvest conservation-relevant data, and use of camera trapping, thermal imaging and AI in a range of contexts. Examples considered will include international avian monitoring, censusing land mammals in South Africa, and acoustic surveying of bats in the UK.
About our speaker: Professor Anne Goodenough CBiol FRSB
I have always been passionate about the natural world and the links between species and their habitats. The threats to wildlife have never been greater and it is vital to ensure that that practical ecological work undertaken by land managers and consultants is underpinned by the best available evidence.
My work involves working to develop and test innovative and robust ways of surveying species - including through technological approaches such as thermal imaging, camera traps, and acoustic sensors - to ensure data on wildlife are as detailed as possible. I also work on avian and mammalian conservation initiatives throughout Europe and Africa, where my role is to inform and evaluate management interventions.
I am passionate about educating the next generation of ecologists and conservationists. I lead the MSc Applied Ecology programme and also teach across the undergraduate programmes in Biology, Wildlife Conservation Biology, Zoology and Ecology & Environmental Sciences with a specific focus on ecological surveying, conservation ecology and avian biology. I publish regularly in international peer-reviewed journals, as well as writing popular science articles and disseminating research at conferences, involving undergraduate and postgraduate students in my research work wherever possible.
Chair
This webinar will be chaired by Dr Doug Brown CBiol FRSB, Chief Executive, Royal Society of Biology.
Who should attend?
This talk would be of interest to scientists, students, and those interested in ecology, population monitoring, and novel uses of technology.
Cost and booking
This event is free to attend and is open exclusively to RSB members, including those with paid membership applications awaiting election. If your application is still being processed and you would like to attend, please get in touch and we will add you to the guest list.
Special requirements
If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know during your booking using the additional information options, and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs.
Continuing Professional Development
This event is approved by the Royal Society of Biology for the purposes of CPD and can be counted as 3 CPD points.
Contact
For event, booking and website queries, please contact Lucy Eckersley at events@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3445.Our Biology Week logo is on all the amazing bioscience events & activities taking place over the week - let us know about your event & we'll add it to our website.
Code of Conduct
By its Royal Charter, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has the powers to promote, establish and support standards of professional skill and conduct. The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline. We proactively promote a culture of inclusivity within our discipline and the broader STEM community. It is vital at any RSB event or meeting, that everyone attending is free from any form of harassment or discrimination, feels comfortable and safe, and has the opportunity for an enjoyable experience.