TDWG

TDWG 2026 Update

2026-07-09T00:00:00+00:00

There is still a lot going on in preparation for TDWG 2026 and we don’t want you to miss out.

Key dates

Please keep the following dates handy in your agenda:

Middle of July (New date!). Remaining authors will be notified about the outcome of abstract submissions.
Tuesday, 21 July (New date!) - End of early bird registration discount.
Evening Sunday, 20 September - Conference reception.
Monday, 21 September - Conference starts.
Evening Friday 25 September - Conference finishes.

Abstract reviews

Most submitting authors have been already notified about the outcome of their abstract(s) submissions and if not done so should proceed to register for the conference to take advantage of the early bird discount.

The remaining submitting authors will be notified about the outcome of their submission(s) as soon as possible.

The conference received 277 abstracts this year, way more than our small and volunteer team of peer reviewers was expecting and we are still working through getting all of them reviewed.

Early bird extension

Registration early bird for everyone has been extended until Tuesday, 21 July 9:59am UTC-12.

Registration

Special registration rates are available for TDWG members, post-docs, and students. Heavily discounted pricing is also offered for participants from low and lower-middle income countries.

Not able to attend in person? A virtual conference registration option is available.

Important: This is a reminder please register using the same account/email address you used so submit a session or abstract. Doing so will help match your registration status with your submission(s), avoid delays and help create a program avoiding clashes if you are presenting or moderating more than one session.

More info: https://tdwg.link/conf-registration

Registration add-ons

You can now order the TDWG 2026 t-shirt. You can also book the and pay for the bird trip excursion.

Both options appear as add-ons for in person registration. You can add those when registering. If you already registered, you can return to the in person registration and buy the t-shirt or book the bird trip excursion.

More info: https://www.tdwg.org/conferences/2026/registration/#in-person

Don’t miss any updates from TDWG 2026 or major TDWG activities, subscribe to our announcements mailing list.

Also make sure to add secretariat@tdwg.org and event-noreply@whova.io to your contacts list.

Questions

Do you have questions or need help?
Please email conf-organizers@tdwg.org or go to the conference homepage.

Darwin Core additions ratified

2026-06-23T00:00:00+00:00

After an extensive period of development, last month, a Conceptual Model and Data Package Guide have been ratified as additions to the Darwin Core Standard.

The author team, led by John Wieczorek, began development five years ago by creating a model that would satisfy use cases submitted by stakeholders. Following a series of workshops and webinars supported by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the model was simplified and tested, with the Conceptual Model document as the result. The Conceptual Model provides the semantics of the relationships between Darwin Core classes, a critical piece that has been missing from the standard since its inception.

Figure 1. An overview of the Darwin Core Conceptual Model. Boxes represent classes and lines represent relationships between classes.

The Darwin Core Data Package Guide (DwC-DP) specifies how biodiversity data can be formatted in a manner that describes the relationships among the fields in data tables. By basing these relationships on a common Conceptual Model that is not limited by the “star schema” of the existing Darwin Core Archives system, it will be possible to publish complex data sets whose structure is consistent among data providers. Because the Darwin Core Data Package Guide extends the well-known Data Package specification, the Guide can be used as the basis for developing software tools that will make it easier for data providers to publish and validate their datasets.

A six month public review coordinated by the Darwin Core Maintenance Group resulted in improvements to the draft documents and proposed changes to Darwin Core terms. The additions and changes were ratified by the Executive Committee, with publication on 26 May 2026. Next steps will include adoption of schemas based on the newly adopted documents, followed by development of a GBIF implementation of the Data Package Guide. The Darwin Core Maintenance Group is grateful to the author team, GBIF, the Executive Committee, and the TDWG community for their support during the years that were required to create this significant advance in the capabilities of the Darwin Core standard.

Questions

For more information go to the Darwin Core data standard website. You can reach out to the Darwin Core Maintenance Group for any questions.

Apply to be part of the Time & Place Functional Subcommittee

2026-06-12T00:00:00+00:00

The Time & Place Functional Subcommittee is looking for volunteers!

About Time & Place

We help identify potential conference locations, evaluate venues, and work with prospective local hosts to support future TDWG meetings.

Responsibilities

If you’re interested in conference planning, have ideas for future locations, or simply want to help strengthen TDWG’s global community, we’d love to have you join us.

Get in touch

If you’d like to get involved or want more information, please email tardis@tdwg.org.

It’s more fun when we do things together!

Recordings of Working Sessions 2026

2026-05-28T00:00:00+00:00

Watch Recordings

From 11 to 22 May we hosted the Working Sessions 2026.

If you missed that session you wanted to attend or want to go back and check again a discussion you can do so. We have posted the recordings on Youtube. Follow this link to see the recordings.

Should you want to connect with the conveners or core members for an Interest, Working or Maintenance Group please do so by visiting the page for those groups accessible from our Community page

Working Sessions 2026

2026-04-13T00:00:00+00:00

Everybody is welcome, and registration is free but, you must register to receive the Zoom link.

What are the TDWG Working Sessions?

Interest, Task, and Maintenance Groups are the driving force for developing and maintaining TDWG standards, and participation is the essential factor that gives TDWG standards authority in open science. As the biodiversity informatics community grows every year, we hold online working sessions to:

inform the wider biodiversity informatics community about the on-going work to develop and maintain standards;
review progress to date;
engage new contributors; and
set the agenda for work.

Schedule and registration

See the page Working Sessions 2026 for full details and links to register.

TDWG 2026 Call for abstracts

2026-04-13T00:00:00+00:00

The TDWG 2026 Call for Abstracts is now open!

Deadline for abstract submissions is 20 May 2025 23:59 UTC-12.

We invite you to submit an abstract for a presentation or poster at #TDWG2026 in Oslo, Norway, 21-25 September. Submissions should reflect the work that TDWG does and the ways that data standards and biodiversity informatics contribute to our understanding and documentation of biodiversity.

We strongly encourage you to consider the conference theme:

Research and Robot-ready Biodiversity Data Standards.

Getting started

Examine the list of sessions to see which are open to outside abstract submissions and may fit your topic. If none of the sessions seem to fit your topic, you can choose either the contributed session or submit a poster.
Compiling your title, authors, author affiliations, and abstract text offline, before starting your submission online.
Start submitting your abstract or see Instructions for Abstract Submission for details.

Apply to be part of the Program Committee for TDWG 2026 in Oslo

2026-02-17T00:00:00+00:00

We are seeking volunteers to join the Program Committee for our upcoming TDWG 2026 Conference in Oslo, Norway. If this is you, please continue reading.

Volunteer application form

The Program Committee plays a central role in shaping the structure, content, and intellectual direction of the conference. Committee members meet regularly and collaborate closely to ensure a high-quality, engaging program for our community.

Responsibilities

Here below is an outline of responsibilities, you are welcome to help with one or more depending on your interest and availability.

Contribute to the overall conference program
Draft and issue instructions for authors, speakers, and moderators
Review submissions for the conference, select keynote speakers, judge student prizes
Provide training for moderators and/or act as a moderator
Actively participate in the publishing process for the conference Proceedings in the TDWG journal, Biodiversity Information Science and Standards (BISS)
Support the Code of Conduct

Who should apply

We welcome volunteers from all parts of the TDWG community—researchers, practitioners, data professionals, students, and anyone with an interest in conference planning, scholarly communication, or community building.

We are a diverse committee and strongly encourage applications from people representing different regions, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, ages, and career stages. TDWG benefits from a wide range of perspectives, and we value contributions from both new and experienced community members.

Prior experience on a program committee is helpful but not required. What matters most is your willingness to contribute a few hours each week and to participate actively in Program Committee activities.

What you get in return

Serving on the Program Committee offers a range of professional and personal benefits, which may include the opportunity to:

Gain hands‑on experience in planning and delivering an international hybrid conference.
Learn from experienced Program Committee members.
Develop your skills in scholarly review, program design, and community coordination.
Engage with a broad, interdisciplinary community working across biodiversity informatics.
Help shape the direction of the TDWG 2026 conference.
Expand your professional network and build new collaborations.

How to apply

Fill in and submit the form below

Volunteer application form

Do you have any questions?

Please email conf-organizers@tdwg.org

Call for Executive Committee nominations (2026–2027)

2025-11-16T00:00:00+00:00

Nominations are open for positions on the Executive Committee for Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). Nomination deadline is 6 December 2025 PST (UTC-8). See the list of positions to be elected and nomination procedure, below.

The term for each role is 2 years, commencing on 1 January 2026.

This is an opportunity to lead the future of biodiversity informatics and work with an enthusiastic team to improve the quality and interoperability of biodiversity data.

Role	Term
Deputy Chair	2026-27 as Deputy Chair 2028-29 as Chair
Chair of the Technical Architecture Group	2026-27
Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Fundraising and Partnerships	2026-27
Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Infrastructure	2026-27
Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Time and Place	2026-27
Representative for Africa	2026-27
Representative for Oceania	2026-27

TDWG is an international organization that promotes the digitization, integration, and sharing of information about the world’s biodiversity. TDWG provides a forum where individuals, projects, and institutions who manage biodiversity data can come together to share expertise and promote interoperability by promulgating standards and best practices. TDWG also publishes the Biodiversity Information Science and Standards (BISS) journal where papers on issues related to information technology and biodiversity science can be published. You would be a member of the TDWG Executive Committee, which oversees the work of TDWG: coordinates TDWG Interest and Task Groups, manages the review and ratification of standards, manages the organization’s journal, and organizes the annual meeting. These responsibilities are set forth in the Constitution and detailed further in supplementary documents.

Positions on the Executive are staggered two-year terms, such that no more than half of the committee will be new in any year. Towards the end of every calendar year, TDWG holds elections for terms that are expiring and need to be filled for the coming year. Officers elected this year will serve terms from 2026 through 2027. The open positions and their responsibilities are detailed below, followed by the schedule and procedures for nominations and the election.

General responsibilities

All officers, including Subcommittee Chairs, have voting rights on the Executive Committee, and are expected to participate in the committee’s conference calls, which are generally every two weeks. Executive Committee members are expected to find their own support to travel to attend the annual conference. Discounted registration to the conference may be offered.

Offices open for election

Deputy Chair

The Deputy Chair of TDWG holds the post for two years, followed by two years as the Chair. Nominees for Deputy Chair are committing to a four year term in total. The Chair/Deputy Chair leads the activities of TDWG, including, but not limited to presiding overTDWG’s Annual Meeting and over meetings of the Executive Committee. The Chair will seek the guidance of the Executive Committee, TDWG partners and conveners of Interest, Maintenance and Task Groups as needed, to make decisions and maintain the integrity of the organization. They write an annual update to members on TDWG’s status, activities, priorities and vision for the year ahead.

Unless delegated to other Executive Committee members, the Chair represents TDWG at meetings, conferences and other official functions.

Chair of the Technical Architecture Group

The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Technical Architecture Group are explained on the TAG page. The Chair provides leadership and guidance on TDWG technical architecture and advises the Executive and membership on matters relating to the principles, strategies and practices for maintaining the common technical framework for TDWG standards. The TAG Chair also consults with the TDWG Chair to make certain that the activities of the TAG are in alignment with TDWG goals and priorities.

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Fundraising and Partnerships

The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Functional Subcommittee are explained on the Subcommittee’s page. The Chair provides leadership on scientific and other fundraising as well as participation in partnerships for TDWG.

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Infrastructure

The purpose of the Infrastructure Functional Subcommittee is to maintain the software tools and resources required to support the operation of TDWG. The responsibilities and management of the Subcommittee are explained further on its web page.

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Time and Place

The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Functional Subcommittee are explained on the Subcommittee’s page. The Chair provides leadership to develop a rolling plan for TDWG Conferences and other meetings.

Regional Representative for Africa and Regional Representative for Oceania

Regional Representatives give voice to the members, institutions, and projects in their region, and collectively provide a global perspective to the Executive Committee. As members of the Executive Committee, Regional Representatives have responsibility for the oversight of TDWG and the authority to approve/decline strategic initiatives, budgets, and all aspects of operations and activities. The Executive Committee also approves or declines the formation of Interest and Task Groups, as well as the ratification of standards and best practice specifications produced by Interest and Task Groups.

Nomination procedure

To nominate someone for one of the positions above, first confirm that the nominee is willing to accept the responsibilities of the office. Then work with the nominee to send a brief statement of the nominee’s background and vision (maximum 400 words) to the TDWG Secretary (secretary@tdwg.org). Self nominations are accepted. All nominations must be completed and received by 6 December 2025 PST (UTC-8).

Election procedure

The TDWG secretariat will post nominees’ statements to the TDWG website and distribute ballots to all institutional and individual members in good standing. In the case of institutional members, we will notify the primary and secondary contacts, but only one ballot response will be accepted. If you are uncertain about your membership status, please inquire with the TDWG Treasurer (treasurer@tdwg.org). Institutional ballots will be weighted as five individual ballots.

Deadline

Nominations due by 6 December 2025 PST (UTC-8). Ballots will be distributed by email shortly thereafter. Exact date-times will be announced via TDWG announcements and posted here.

Community help desk for Darwin Core public review

2025-11-13T00:00:00+00:00

Community help desk sessions for Darwin Core public review

Please join us for a community help desk session related to the public review of the new conceptual model and Data Package Guide for Darwin Core.

When

Multiple sessions are being offered to accommodate different time zones and schedules:

Thursday, 20 Nov, 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
Monday, 1 Dec, 13:00 - 14:00 UTC
Monday, 1 Dec, 23:00 - 0:00 UTC (focused on media-related aspects of the current review)
Monday, 8 Dec, 13:00 - 14:00 UTC (hosted by the Earth Science and Paleobiology Interest Group, with a focus on the needs of this domain)
Tuesday, 9 Dec, 00:00 - 1:00 UTC (hosted by the Earth Science and Paleobiology Interest Group, with a focus on the needs of this domain)
Thursday, 11 Dec, 14:00 - 15:00 UTC

See the schedule in your local time zone on the Zoom registration page.

See a video of the introduction from the first session.

What

Are you curious about the current Darwin Core public review period but not sure how to engage? Meaning to think about it, but need time on the calendar to make it happen? Not sure how to interpret all of the documentation and discussion? Join us for an informal help desk session to orient new participants and answer questions. We will begin with a 10-minute overview of the TDWG public review process (to be recorded), followed by open discussion and Q&A (not recorded). Discover what changes are being suggested, what new terms are being proposed, and how you can share your thoughts!

Note that the current review is more complex than typical Darwin Core change proposals, as it includes a new Conceptual Model and Data Package guide. These proposed changes are intended to support richer, more complex types of biodiversity data than are currently possible with a Darwin Core Archive. Read more about the current review here.

How

This series will be hosted by Erica Krimmel (TDWG Regional Representative for North America), John Wieczorek (TDWG Darwin Core Maintenance Group), and Ben Norton (TDWG Technical Architecture Group). Please direct any questions to Erica.

Audiovisual Core public review of new class, ac:Media

2025-11-09T00:00:00+00:00

The Audiovisual Core Maintenance Group has approved a proposal to create a class for media items. This proposal is intended to complement the Darwin Core Data Packages proposal, in addition to serving as a class whose members are the subject of most of the existing terms in Audiovisual Core.

To view the proposal’s full details and make comments, visit https://github.com/tdwg/ac/issues/277. The comment period will run for at least 30 days, starting on November 10 and ending no earlier than December 10.

If you have any questions, please contact Ed Baker, Audiovisual Core Maintenance Group convener.

TDWG

TDWG 2026 Update

Key dates

Abstract reviews

Early bird extension

Registration

Registration add-ons

Subscribe

Questions

Darwin Core additions ratified

Questions

Apply to be part of the Time & Place Functional Subcommittee

The Time & Place Functional Subcommittee is looking for volunteers!

About Time & Place

Responsibilities

Get in touch

Recordings of Working Sessions 2026

Working Sessions 2026

What are the TDWG Working Sessions?

Schedule and registration

TDWG 2026 Call for abstracts

Getting started

Apply to be part of the Program Committee for TDWG 2026 in Oslo

Responsibilities

Who should apply

What you get in return

How to apply

Do you have any questions?

Call for Executive Committee nominations (2026–2027)

General responsibilities

Offices open for election

Deputy Chair

Chair of the Technical Architecture Group

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Fundraising and Partnerships

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Infrastructure

Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Time and Place

Regional Representative for Africa and Regional Representative for Oceania

Nomination procedure

Election procedure

Deadline

Community help desk for Darwin Core public review

Community help desk sessions for Darwin Core public review

When

What

How

Audiovisual Core public review of new class, ac:Media