ACCE
Chemical Ecology Practicum 2025
African Centre of Chemical Ecology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
20-31 October 2025
Co-organized by the African Centre of Chemical Ecology (ACCE), Latin American Association of Chemical Ecology (ALAEQ) and Asia-Pacific Association of Chemical Ecologists (APACE)
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Supported by the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE) and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO)
"Providing opportunities for young scientists and students from the Southern hemisphere to develop critical skills in chemical ecology through hands on experience in methods to advance the collection, identification, characterization and use of semiochemicals in insect pest management."
Vision Statement
To increase capacity in the practice of chemical ecology in the southern hemisphere in order to advance the development and availability of biorational pest management tactics facilitating an improved life for people in the global south and beyond.
The practicum will be offered every two years rotating among regions in the global south (Africa 2025; Latin America 2027; Asia-Pacific 2029).
Instructors
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General practicum outline
This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to chemical ecology through a blend of theory, practical modules, and networking activities with experts from industry, government, and academia. Here is what participants can expect:
Monday Morning
Introduction & Orientation
Monday Afternoon - Thursday Morning
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
Thursday Afternoon
Friday
Saturday & Sunday
Introductions and Icebreaker activities
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Meet and greet session for students and instructors
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Brief introductions by students, sharing their backgrounds, research interests, and learning goals
Orientation and Laboratory Tour
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Overview of lab facilities where practical sessions will be conducted
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Practical Modules
Students will work in pairs and rotate through the following six modules, spending approximately four hours on each module.
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Sampling techniques and GC Injection
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Overview of experimental design: blanks, controls, and samples
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Hands-on with various sampling methods:
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Static and dynamic sampling
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Liquid extraction
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Discussion on the pros and cons of each sampling technique
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Introduction to gas chromatography (GC) system components
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GC-EAD and EAG
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Electrode preparation, antennae mounting, and software setup
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Sample injections: student-extracted samples, n-alkane blend, and pheromone standards
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Understanding retention indices
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EAG: puff standards, dose response experiment
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Discussion on electroantennographic detection (EAD) methods and their applications
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GC-MS
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Injection of samples for tentative compound identification
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Extracted samples
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n-alkane blend for Kovat indexes determination
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Pheromone standards
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Techniques for compound identification
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Retention index use and GC-MS system component overview
Micro-reaction Techniques
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Derivatization and determination of double bonds
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Anticipating and interpreting mass spectra
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Overview of relevant reactions and enantiomer determination
Laboratory Bioassay Techniques
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Y-tube experiments and flight tunnel experiments
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Discussion: Y-tube vs. 4-way arena vs. flight tunnel and other bioassay techniques
Field Bioassay
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Conducting field trials at Future Africa experimental farm
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Discussion on field trial protocol, controls, block design, and handling uncontrollable variables
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Knowledge Review and Career Insights
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Course Wrap-up and Q&A
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Group discussions to revisit complex techniques, methods, and underlying logic
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Knowledge assessment (e.g., molecule identification using MS data, retention indices, etc.)
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Open debates on the scope and limitations of chemical ecology
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Career Panel and Networking Session
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Industry, government, and academic representatives discuss career opportunities in chemical ecology
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Evening BBQ and networking event with representatives and peers
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Field trial visits and sample collections; drive to game park
Social and Data Analysis
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Data Analysis and Peer Discussions
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Collaborative analysis of data collected on Friday
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Social Networking in Game Park
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Weekend in the park to relax, network, and discuss course insights
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Return to Pretoria
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General conditions
“Financial support is available for selected participants. Participation will involve both the short-course the week of 20-October 2025, but also participation in an IUFRO Working Party meeting the week of 27-October 2025 at the same venue focused on the chemical ecology and management of forest insects.”
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Participation in the practicum is limited to 12 delegates to facilitate active learning and acquisition of practical experience: 6 graduate students and 6 early career professionals (under the age of 46 years) and delegates must be working or studying in the global south. Representation will be balanced among regions in the global south. Application deadline 9th of May.
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Application requirements: applicants must provide a full curriculum vitae and a one page letter explaining their learning objectives, why they want to participate in the short-course and career goals. They also must require two letters of recommendation to be submitted directly by their referees, one of whom must be their primary supervisor.
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Support for participation of early career professionals is available through IUFRO-SPDC’s Scientist Assistance Programme (SAP), which is designed to provide forest scientists from economically disadvantaged countries with financial assistance for participation in scientific meetings and conferences organized by IUFRO. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, please visit IUFRO's SAP page: https://www.iufro.org/programmes/scientist-assistance-programme.
