Sea turtle swimming over a sunlit coral reef

International Symposium and Workshop onOcean Biomolecular Observation and Marine Biodiversity& OBON Annual Meeting 2026

Theme:
Advancing Ocean Biodiversity Observation through Biomolecular Science, Innovation and Networking

30 November to 4 December 2026Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Until we meet in Dhaka

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Message from the Convener

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the International Symposium and Workshop on Ocean Biomolecular Observation and Marine Biodiversity alongside the OBON Annual Meeting 2026 to be held from 30 November to 4 December 2026 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

As marine ecosystems face increasing pressures from climate change, habitat degradation and biodiversity loss, innovative scientific approaches are essential for understanding and safeguarding ocean life. Biomolecular tools, including DNA barcoding, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and genomics, are opening new horizons for biodiversity observation, fisheries assessment and evidence-based conservation

Under the theme “Advancing Ocean Biodiversity Observation through Biomolecular Science, Innovation and Networking” this gathering will bring together national and international experts, researchers, policymakers and early-career scientists to exchange knowledge, strengthen technical capacity and foster meaningful collaborations

I warmly invite you to join us in Dhaka at SAU to share your research, exchange ideas and build partnerships that extend beyond this event. Together, let us advance collaborative ocean science for a more sustainable and biodiverse future.

I look forward to welcoming you to Bangladesh.

Researcher collecting a water sample on a coastal research vessel

Prof. Kazi Ahsan Habib PhD

Convener

OBOMB 2026

SESSION 01

Marine Biodiversity Observation through DNA, eDNA and Omics

  • DNA barcoding and molecular taxonomy
  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) and eDNA metabarcoding
  • DNA metabarcoding
  • Genomics and population genomics
  • Molecular ecology and phylogeography
  • Species identification and discovery
  • Assessment of marine species and community diversity
  • Biomolecular indicators for biodiversity observation
  • Emerging omics approaches for marine biodiversity assessment
SESSION 02

Marine Biomolecular Observation—Methods, Technologies, Data and Networks

  • Sampling and preservation protocols
  • Laboratory and molecular methodologies
  • Sequencing technologies
  • Bioinformatics and data analysis
  • Reference libraries and taxonomic databases
  • Data standards, FAIR data and interoperability
  • Data synthesis and integration
  • Emerging and autonomous biomolecular observation technologies
  • Capacity development
  • Regional and global observing networks
  • Collaboration and knowledge sharing
SESSION 03

Applications of Biomolecular Observation in Fisheries, Conservation and Ocean Management

  • eDNA applications in fisheries assessment and stock monitoring
  • Population connectivity and genetic diversity
  • Detection and monitoring of threatened and invasive species
  • Marine ecosystem assessment
  • Biodiversity conservation and marine protected areas
  • Biomolecular approaches for sustainable ocean management
  • The science–policy interface
  • Regional collaboration and capacity building

Important Dates

01Scheduled

Abstract submission deadline

12 November 2026

02Scheduled

Confirmation of acceptance

16 November 2026

03Scheduled

Registration Deadline

25 November 2026

04Scheduled

Symposium Inauguration

30 November 2026

05Scheduled

OBON Meeting Days

1 – 3 December 2026

06Scheduled

OBON Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting

4 December 2026

All dates follow Bangladesh Standard Time (UTC+6). Confirm deadlines with the secretariat before submitting.

International Participants

Dr. Margaret Leinen

Dr. Margaret Leinen

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego

United States of America

Dr. Tadashi Kajita

Dr. Tadashi Kajita

Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus

Japan

Dr. Sophie Seeyave

Dr. Sophie Seeyave

Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO)

United Kingdom

Dr. Kim Shan (Alison) Wee

Dr. Kim Shan (Alison) Wee

University of Nottingham Malaysia

Malaysia

Dr. Eric Raes

Dr. Eric Raes

Minderoo Foundation

Australia

Dr. Saara Suominen

Dr. Saara Suominen

IOC-UNESCO Ocean Biodiversity Information System

Finland

Dr. Imane Sioud

Dr. Imane Sioud

Tohoku University

Japan

Dr. Luz H Rodriguez V.

Dr. Luz H Rodriguez V.

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML)

United Kingdom

Dr. Jenny Giles

Dr. Jenny Giles

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Australia

Dr. Nisha Prabhashinie Shalika Kumburegama

Dr. Nisha Prabhashinie Shalika Kumburegama

University of Peradeniya

Sri Lanka

Dr. Venus E. Leopardas

Dr. Venus E. Leopardas

Mindanao State University

Philippines

Erin Bomati

Erin Bomati

Citizens of the Sea

New Zealand

Dr. Annette Govindarajan

Dr. Annette Govindarajan

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

United States of America

Dr. Matthew Lemay

Dr. Matthew Lemay

Hakai Institute

Canada

Dr. Karen Tait

Dr. Karen Tait

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML)

United Kingdom

V. Yepes Narvaez

V. Yepes Narvaez

Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (INVEMAR)

Colombia

Dr. Nadiarti Nurdin Kadir

Dr. Nadiarti Nurdin Kadir

Hasanuddin University

Indonesia

Dr. D.F.P Batista

Dr. D.F.P Batista

Dalhousie University / DOTCAN Institute

Canada

Dr. Julie Robidart

Dr. Julie Robidart

National Oceanography Centre

UK

Dr. Jodie van de Kamp

Dr. Jodie van de Kamp

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Australia

Dr. Hassan Moustahfid

Dr. Hassan Moustahfid

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

United States of America

Dr. Miguel Santos

Dr. Miguel Santos

IPMA Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere

Portugal

Dr. Kelly Goodwin

Dr. Kelly Goodwin

Goodwin Science Services

United States

Guests

Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed

Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed

Chief Guest

Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh

Prof. Dr. Masuma Habib

Prof. Dr. Masuma Habib

Special Guest

Member, University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh

Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Latif

Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Latif

Chief Patron

Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

Prof. Dr. Md. Belal Hossain

Prof. Dr. Md. Belal Hossain

Patron

Pro Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

Prof. Md. Abul Bashar

Prof. Md. Abul Bashar

Patron

Treasurer, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

Local Organizing Committee

Prof. Dr. Kazi Ahsan Habib

Prof. Dr. Kazi Ahsan Habib

President — Symposium Committee & Convener

Ireen Parvin

Ireen Parvin

Member, Local Organizing Committee

Md. Nazmus Sakib

Md. Nazmus Sakib

Member, Local Organizing Committee

Farhan Bin Habib

Farhan Bin Habib

Member, Local Organizing Committee

Md. Ruhul Amin Rifat

Md. Ruhul Amin Rifat

Member, Local Organizing Committee

Ziaul Hasan Jewel

Ziaul Hasan Jewel

Office Management, Local Organizing Committee

Submission checklist

1
View the abstract template

Carefully read, download and fill the template to prepare your abstract.

2

Prepare your abstract

Summarize the research question, methodology, key findings and significance. Final word limit to be confirmed.

3

Choose a scientific session

Select the session that best matches your work.

4
Submit by 12 November 2026

Send your abstract via the official submission link.

5

Await a decision

Accepted contributions will be notified from 16 November 2026 with further instructions for registration.

Schedule

30 November – 4 December 2026, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. Select a day to explore the full programme.

|
Tea Break11:00 – 11:30
Lunch Break13:05 – 14:00
Tea Break16:05 – 16:25
Wrap-up18:15 – 18:30

Programme subject to change. Times are Bangladesh Standard Time (UTC+6). Confirm details with the secretariat.

Meet in Dhaka.

Gather at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Bangladesh’s vibrant capital.

The venue

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Getting around

Dhaka Metro and local transport connect major areas of the city. Check current routes before travelling.

Arriving by air

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport serves Dhaka.

Where to stay

Explore hotels and guesthouses around Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and central Dhaka.

Get directions