The eighth International Penguin Conference will be held at the University of Bristol from 2nd to 6th September 2013.

As with all the previous International Penguin Conferences the 8th meeting will be an opportunity for all those working on any aspects of research, conservation and husbandry of penguins to come together to share results, ideas, best practice and to learn from one another.

The conference will include oral and poster presentations all in plenary sessions as well as exhibitions, a range of social events and associated public events which will allow participants to reach out to a wider audience.

Lecture and poster sessions will be held in the main University precinct in the centre of Bristol accommodation will be available in University single study bedrooms and at local hotels.

Bristol is a vibrant city in the West of England, about 200km west of London. Bristol developed as an important port and has a long maritime tradition – in recent years the old City Docks have largely been converted to leisure pursuits and now boast a diverse range of museums, a major science centre as well as an aquarium.

The University of Bristol was founded in 1876 as the University College of Bristol. It was the first university in the UK to accept men and women on an equal basis. The Bristol Medical School, founded in 1833, became part of the College in 1893. In 1909 the College combined with the Merchant Venturers College to become the University of Bristol and was granted its Royal Charter. Today it is regarded as one of the best universities in the UK.

Bristol Zoo Gardens was founded in 1835 by a group of eminent local citizens and opened to the public in 1836. It is the fifth oldest Zoo in the world, and the oldest one that is not in a capital city. In recent years the Zoo has developed its educational and scientific roles. Full-time education and science officers are employed and great emphasis is placed on activities that help both to educate the public and conserve wildlife. In particular, the launch of the Bristol Conservation and Science Foundation in 2008 marked the Zoo's commitment to conservation-based research.

A second circular with information about how to submit papers and posters, the accommodation, the social and public events etc. will be posted early in 2012.

For further information please visit our web site at www.penguinconference.org.

If you wish to receive further mailings about the conference or if you want to be removed from this mailing list, please send an email with your contact details to enquiries@penguinconference.org.