By Isaac Eckert, PhD student at McGill University

In January of 2024, I had the privilege of attending the International Biogeography Society’s biennial meeting in the historic city of Prague, Czechia. It was an incredible opportunity not just to immerse myself in the latest ecological and biogeographical research, but also to share the stage with my brilliant peers from McGill University, Jory and Dom. Together, we presented our research, exchanged ideas with scientists from around the globe, and absorbed the electric atmosphere of a city steeped in history and culture. This experience was made possible through funding by the QCBS to attend this conference. 

One of the highlights of the trip, beyond the inspiring talks and thought-provoking sessions, was simply being in Prague. Wandering through its cobbled streets, we found ourselves captivated by the architectural charm, hearty food, and cozy cafes—ideal settings for long, post-conference chats about everything from ecosystem dynamics to where to find the best chimney cake.

Outside the city, we took a little time to recharge in the Czech countryside. The crisp winter air, quiet forests, and snow-dusted fields offered the perfect contrast to the busy conference halls and reminded us why we do this work in the first place.

A Place Rooted in Scientific Legacy

Being in Prague also offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the deep roots of biology and the natural sciences in the Czech Republic. This region has long been a fertile ground for biological thought. Perhaps most famously, it’s the homeland of Gregor Mendel—the Augustinian monk whose pea plant experiments laid the groundwork for the science of genetics. Mendel conducted his work in Brno, just a few hours from Prague, and his legacy is still deeply felt throughout the country.

Czechia also has a strong tradition of botanical and ecological research, with institutions like Charles University (founded in 1348!) playing a significant role in European science. Prague’s National Museum and its natural history collections have served as a foundation for generations of Czech scientists and remain a fascinating window into the region’s biodiversity and scientific curiosity.

To present biogeographic work in such a historically rich context added an extra layer of meaning to the experience—it felt like a full-circle moment, contributing to a lineage of thinkers who have long tried to make sense of the living world.

I left Prague feeling deeply inspired—not just by the research and discussions, but by the connections made, the beauty of the place, and the historical continuity of scientific discovery that we were lucky to be a part of. Here’s to more discoveries, both in science and in life.