[Editors note: apologies for the late publication of this month’s newsletter which was due to the blog editor being poorly!]
Compiled by Ellie Clark, Curator of Fossil Cnidaria at the Natural History Museum.
Welcome to the February edition of NatSCA Digital Digest.
Digital Digest is a monthly blog series featuring the latest on where to go, what to see and do in the natural history sector including jobs, exhibitions, conferences, and training opportunities. We are keen to hear from you if you have any top tips and recommendations for our next Digest, please drop an email to blog@natsca.org.
Sector News
24th Conference of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies – Abstract Submissions Open
IFORS is now accepting abstract submissions in preparation for the upcoming conference Decision Support for a Sustainable World. The conference will be held July 12th through 17th at the University of Vienna, Austria. Details on the conference and access to the submissions portal can be found on their website, along with program details and information on registration.
Abstract submissions are open now and close March 15th. Registration opens April 25th.
Fixing Our Broken Planet Community of Practice Gathering: Northern England
Date: Tuesday 17th March 2026 10:00 – 17:30 + Opt-in dinner
Location: Manchester Museum
The Fixing Our Broken Planet (FOBP) Community of Practice supports museum and cultural sector practitioners to connect, share best practice, and explore how organisations can respond to the planetary emergency.
This free, in-person gathering is for CoP members across the North of England and will focus on the shared question: What are we going to do about the planetary emergency? Responding to member feedback, the event will use Open Space Technology, a hands-on, participant-led approach where attendees shape the agenda on the day, encouraging collaboration and diverse perspectives around complex challenges.
Join to exchange ideas, develop practical solutions, and gather inspiration to take back to your organisation. Lunch is provided and spaces are limited to 50, with priority given to those working, volunteering, or studying in the Northern England museums sector. For more information and to register, follow this link.
Transmitting Science: “Care and Management of Natural History Collections”.
Using a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and readings, this course will teach participants how to better care for and manage all natural history collections (including botany, geosciences, and zoology). Rather than the traditional discipline-based approach, the course teaches collections care based on collection material and preparation type – dry preparations, wet preparations, and documentation (including paper-based and electronic media).
The course will benefit individuals who already have experience in caring for natural history collections, as well as those who intend to work with natural history collections. The live sessions will combine lectures, hands-on computational exercises, and guided examples.
For more information on fees and how to register visit the course webpage: https://www.transmittingscience.com/courses/museums-and-collections/care-management-natural-history-collections/
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