The XVI National Congress of the Societas Herpetologica Italica will be held in L’Aquila at the Luigi Zordan Congress Center of the University of L’Aquila, from the 15th to the 18th of September 2026. This biennial event serves as the primary forum for researchers, conservationists, and students to discuss the latest advancements in Italian and international herpetology.

Scientific Program and Sessions

The congress will feature plenary sessions covering a wide range of thematic areas, including:

• Conservation and management of alien species.
• Ecology, Ethology, and Biogeography.
• Systematics, Taxonomy, and Evolution.
• Animal Health and population dynamics.
• Paleontology and Museology.

In addition to oral presentations (12 minutes inclusive of Q&A) and dedicated poster sessions, the program includes workshops and roundtables. Participants are encouraged to propose specific topics of interest to the Organizing Committee.

Submission Guidelines and Deadlines

Authors must submit their scientific contributions by May 15, 2026. Submissions must include bilingual abstracts (Italian and English), each limited to 2,000 characters including spaces. All abstracts will be published in an online volume. Please note that acceptance is contingent upon peer review and the completion of congress registration.

Grants and Awards

To support the next generation of herpetologists, the SHI offers several opportunities:

• Travel Grants: Four grants of €250 each for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Barbieri Prize: Awarded for outstanding student research.
• Enrico Romanazzi Prize: A €250 award for the best conservation-focused work presented by a researcher under the age of 36.

Registration and Logistics

The early bird registration fee is €80 for SHI members and €120 for non-members, applicable until May 15. Fees include congress materials, coffee breaks, and a guided tour of the Stiffe Caves.

For further information regarding registration, manuscript templates, and accommodation, please contact the secretariat at congresso.shi.aq@gmail.com.