Sea turtle swimming over a sunlit coral reef

International Symposium and Workshop onOcean Biomolecular Observation and Marine Biodiversity& OBON 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

Loading countdown…

Message from the Convenor

The International Symposium and Workshop on Ocean Biomolecular Observation and Marine Biodiversity is a scientific platform dedicated to advancing the application of biomolecular science in understanding, monitoring, and conserving marine biodiversity. Organized under the theme“Advancing Ocean Biodiversity Observation through Biomolecular Science, Innovation and Networking,”the event will bring together researchers, scientists, academics, policymakers, practitioners, and early-career professionals from Bangladesh and around the world and will provide a forum for sharing recent scientific advances, innovative methodologies, technological developments, and practical applications of biomolecular observation.

A key objective of the event is to strengthen collaboration and networking among researchers and institutions working in marine biomolecular science, while promoting the development and application of standardized, scalable, and data-driven approaches to ocean observation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Bay of Bengal region, providing an opportunity to highlight regional biodiversity, fisheries resources, coastal and marine ecosystems, and emerging biomolecular monitoring initiatives.

By bringing together science, technology, innovation, and international collaboration, the symposium and workshop aim to contribute to the development of next-generation ocean observing systems and support evidence-based approaches to marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries, and responsible ocean management.

Researcher collecting a water sample on a coastal research vessel
Prof. Kazi Ahsan Habib PhD

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

5 November 2026

02Scheduled

Confirmation of acceptance

10 November 2026

03Scheduled

Registration Period

10 - 20 November 2026

04Scheduled

Symposium Inauguration

30 November 2026

05Scheduled

OBON Meeting Days

1 – 3 December 2026

06Scheduled

Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting

4 December 2026

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

International Participants

Prof. Margaret Leinen

Prof. Margaret Leinen

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego

USA

Annette Govindarajan

Annette Govindarajan

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

USA

Jenny Giles

Jenny Giles

CSIRO

Australia

Erin Bomati

Erin Bomati

Citizens of the Sea

New Zealand

Karen Tait

Karen Tait

PML

UK

Tadashi Kajita

Tadashi Kajita

Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus

Japan

Vanessa Yepes Narvaez

Vanessa Yepes Narvaez

INVEMAR

Colombia

Debany Fonseca Pereira Batista

Debany Fonseca Pereira Batista

Dalhousie University / DOTCAN Institute

Canada

Imane Sioud

Imane Sioud

Tohoku University

Japan

Julie Robidart

Julie Robidart

National Oceanography Centre

UK

Slide 1 of 2

Guests and Organizers

Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed

Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed

Chief Guest — Inaugural Ceremony

Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh

Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Latif

Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Latif

Guest of Honor

Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

Prof. Dr. Masuma Habib

Prof. Dr. Masuma Habib

Distinguished Guest

Member, University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh

Prof. Dr. Md. Belal Hossain

Prof. Dr. Md. Belal Hossain

Distinguished Guest

Pro Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

Md. Abul Bashar

Md. Abul Bashar

Distinguished Guest

Treasurer, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

Submission Guide

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 5 November 2026

Send your abstract via the official submission link

5

Await a decision

Accepted contributions will be notified from 10 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