Main conference Venue
Klooster van de Grauwzusters: Building S, Lange Sint-Annastraat 7, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
The conference takes place at the City Campus of the University of Antwerp, in the beautifully restored Klooster van de Grauwzusters (Convent of the Grey Sisters). The main lecture hall (Promotiezaal), breakout areas (Patio & Chapel) are all within this historic building.
Beware that Google Maps indicates a second Klooster der Grauwzusters on the “Schoenmarkt 2”… this is not the location of Cichlid Science.
Conference Dinner
Universiteitsclub in the Hof van Lier, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium,
The conference dinner will be held at the private restaurant of the University of Antwerp in the central building of the city campus, the Hof van Liere. The wonderful 16th-century court and the adjacent historical premises, which were erected by the Jesuits in the 17th century, as an oasis of tranquillity in the bustling city centre.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer any more tickets for the conference dinner during the conference, you are however welcome to “buy” a ticket off another attendee who can no longer join.
Behind the scenes visit of ZOO Antwerp
On Thursday afternoon at 16:00 we will host a visit to the Zoo of Antwerp for a behind the scenes look at the aquarium facilities, including several cichlid aquariums and a spectacular reef aquarium, as well as a tour of their research lab and the biobank. The Zoo of Antwerp is one of the oldest in the world, being founded in 1843. More info about the research conducted at the Zoo can be found here
We can only offer 45 participants the opportunity to join the tour, but we will do our best to ensure that limited spots are shared fairly.
CichliDome meeting – A Cichlid Genome-Phenome Network
A meeting to establish a lightweight community of cichlid researchers for collaborative work on projects linking phenome and genome dataset will be planned during the conference (Thursday 3rd at 16:00) those wanting to express interest can do so by filling in this form.
Online Participation
The full conference is available via live webinar for those joining remotely. Online registration is free for researchers with a primary affiliation in the Global South (see "Particpate") webinar link will be shared prior to the conference
Global Perspectives Flash Talks
A dedicated session of pre-recorded flash talks is hosted for researchers working in the Global South who are unable to travel to Antwerp to attend in person. This session will be hosted on Thursday the 3rd at 15:00.
PhD defences during Cichlid Science
We're also delighted that two members of the university of Antwerp Cichlid community will defend their PhD theses around the conference: Julia Camacho Garcia's public defence takes place on Wednesday morning, just before the opening session, and Sophie Gresham's defence follows on Friday evening, shortly after the conference closes. All are warmly invited to attend either or both.
Other highlights while you are in town
Antwerp is one of Belgium most vibrant cities, compact and walkable, with medieval grandeur, world class museums and an effortlessly cool café culture.
Our own Sophie Gresham has created a Google Map with more than 60 great cafés, dining options, and must visits.
