The State of Biodiversity

You're Invited to the 9th Annual State of Biodiversity Symposium.

From Exploration to Conservation

Every year, we host an annual State of Biodiversity Symposium, bringing together scientists, conservationists, and nature lovers to discuss biodiversity in our region and how we can continue to preserve it.

Join us on Thursday, April 9 from 5–9 PM to celebrate transnational and multidisciplinary expeditions past, present, and future. We invite people of the Californias to use wonder, science, and exploration to exchange ideas and create conservation solutions through multinational and interdisciplinary research.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 5–9 PM
Location: The San Diego Natural History Museum

Buy tickets

Attend virtually

Click here to learn about scholarships and how to attend for free.

What to expect this year:

Reception with appetizers and pay bar
Outreach tables from local organizations
Presentations and discussion about multidisciplinary expeditions
Our newest exhibition, Amazement in the Basement, will be open to guests and will include a special viewing of specimens and findings from past Museum expeditions. You'll also have the chance to participate in a community feedback activity to help us identify priority locations for future expeditions.

Meet the speakers and their topics

Adrian Munguia-Vega

Applied Genomics Lab, Founder and Director. University of Arizona, Researcher

Topic: Exploring kelp forest biodiversity using environmental DNA and deep-sea cameras along the coast of Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula.

Adrian is a marine biologist and population geneticist who uses genetic and genomic tools to understand and conserve biodiversity. An avid explorer, he has participated in over 30 ocean science expeditions.

Sula Vanderplank

SUVA Research, Director and Lead Scientist

Topic: Redefining expeditions through inclusive and impact-driven exploration in the Baja California Peninsula.

Sula is a researcher and explorer of the Californias who has been working in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands and the Baja California Peninsula (including the adjacent islands) for the past 21 years. Her interests include botany, species conservation, and expeditions.

Francisco Bassó Medel

Bugologist / Bichólogo

Topic: Demystifying wildlife through bilingual outreach on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Francisco is a wildlife and conservation biologist that focuses on science communication, education, and accessibility. His work focuses on bringing attention to the underrepresented and commonly feared native wildlife that is often understudied and underappreciated.

Confirmed Outreach Partners

California Native Bee Society, Bugologist and Programa de Aves Urbanas, Expediciones Botánicas and Baja Rare, San Diego Conservation Planning Hub and San Diego Canyonlands, WILDCOAST, Barona Cultural Center and Museum, and Investigación en la Cuenca de Los Planes.

This event is possible thanks to support from The San Diego Foundation.

Want more State of Biodiversity?

Learn more about past symposia.