Adelaide is set to welcome museum and natural history experts from across the globe next year, with the city named host of the ICOM NATHIST 2026 Annual Conference.
The major international conference and annual general meeting will bring together leaders, researchers, practitioners and policymakers from the global museums and collections sector, placing South Australia at the centre of conversations around climate change, biodiversity loss and the future of natural history collections.
The event will be jointly hosted by the South Australian Museum and the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia, after the two institutions were selected in recognition of their leadership in collections stewardship, research, public engagement and international contribution to the natural history sector.
Titled Collections for a Changing World, the 2026 conference will explore how natural history collections can help guide responses to some of the biggest environmental and social challenges of the century. Key themes will include sustainability and collections conservation, what defines a natural history collection in 2026 and beyond, emerging issues for the sector, urban greening and biodiversity.
From 9 to 11 November 2026, delegates will gather at the National Wine Centre of Australia for the AGM and main conference. The program will then continue with facilitated sessions, specialist workshops, guided tours and curated regional excursions. Student and early career focused technical activities and side events will also form part of the broader conference program.
A detailed program is expected to be released in May, along with full registration details, online and hybrid participation options, post-conference tours and event information. Several bursaries will also be made available, with a particular focus on supporting students, early career museum professionals and cultural workers aged under 35.
Deputy Premier Kyam Maher said the event would help showcase South Australia internationally.
“We’re proud to welcome the ICOM NATHIST Conference to Adelaide for the first time and showcase South Australia on the world stage.
Hosting a conference of this calibre shines a spotlight on our state and highlights the important work being led by two of our iconic institutions, the South Australian Museum and the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.”
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Emily Bourke said the conference would help drive important international discussions.
“We’re excited to see these two iconic institutions come together to host this important global conference,” Minister Bourke said.
“The work of our Museum and Botanic Gardens is critical to understanding and responding to challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, and this conference will help drive those conversations forward at an international level.”
Director of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia Michael Harvey said hosting the international natural history community in Adelaide was a major opportunity.
“Globally, Botanic Gardens are home to living and preserved botanical collections, both of which hold incredible scientific, cultural and environmental value, in addition to their public role as places of tranquillity, education and wonder.
Hosting the ICOM NATHIST conference is an outstanding opportunity to showcase our gardens, collections and scientific work, while sharing how South Australia is caring for plants, biodiversity and Country. Bringing people together in a city known for its green spaces and scientific collaboration feels especially fitting.”
South Australian Museum Director Dr Samantha Hamilton said the conference recognised the museum’s international standing.
“The ICOM NATHIST Conference is a powerful recognition of the South Australian Museum’s standing as an internationally respected centre for natural history collections, research and public engagement.
Hosting this conference in Adelaide allows us to share our work with colleagues from around the world, while learning from diverse perspectives on how museums can respond to the defining challenges of our time.”
She said natural history collections play an important role in understanding the past, present and future.
“Natural history collections sit at the intersection of science, culture and community. They help us understand where we have come from, what is changing around us, and what knowledge we need to safeguard the future.”
ICOM NATHIST Annual Conference
Where: South Australian Museum and the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia, Adelaide
When: 9 – 11 November 2026
For more info, click here.
