Development, history, and impact of "Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics", the ConGen Global training course.

Abstract

The ConGen Global course "Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics" was established to educate and empower new generations of researchers and practitioners in genetic and genomic approaches to biodiversity conservation. Since its first offering in 1996, the course has evolved from a focus on sample collection, population diversity assessment, and molecular phylogeography using (polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing to a curriculum centered on next-generation sequencing, whole-genome assembly, demographic inference, and bioinformatic analyses. Originally hosted at venues near Washington, D.C., the course expanded internationally in 2011 and has since been held near biodiversity hotspots across the globe, incorporating local researchers, and drawing an increasingly diverse global audience from every part of the world. Each edition integrates region-specific conservation challenges with hands-on tutorials, case studies, and personal narratives from leading conservation geneticists. This combination of rigorous science, practical applications, and international participation has created a uniquely impactful and inclusive program. Here, we review the last decade of ConGen Global (2015 to 2025), highlighting its contributions to conservation genetics education, its role in standardizing and disseminating new genomic methods, and its influence on policy-relevant research agendas. Beyond training, the course has shaped the broader field of conservation genetics by accelerating the adoption of genomic tools, strengthening global research networks, and translating genetic insights into conservation practice. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, ConGen Global continues to serve as a model for advancing conservation genetics education and for inspiring future training programs worldwide.