From 27 to 29 May 2026, representatives of CETAF member institutions, working groups and partner initiatives gathered in Florence, Italy, for the 59th CETAF General Assembly (CETAF59), hosted by the University of Florence – Sistema Museale di Ateneo.
The Assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on the implementation of the CETAF Strategy 2025–2030, strengthen institutional collaboration, and explore how natural science collections and taxonomic expertise can contribute to addressing global biodiversity challenges.
The meeting was officially opened by Prof. Alessandra Petrucci, Rector of the University of Florence, Prof. David Caramelli, President of the University Museum System, and CETAF President Edwin van Huis. In her welcome address, Prof. Petrucci highlighted CETAF as “the leading voice for taxonomy and systematic biology”, underlining the importance of taxonomy and collections-based research within the scientific landscape.
Throughout the three-day programme, participants exchanged updates on institutional activities, strategic priorities and collaborative initiatives, while discussing emerging opportunities and challenges facing the taxonomic community.
Scientific collections at the centre of research and innovation
The first day featured presentations on the role of scientific collections in contemporary research, including a keynote by David Caramelli on the integration of ancient DNA and palaeogenomics into museum research. His presentation highlighted how natural history collections serve as irreplaceable repositories of biological and cultural heritage, providing valuable insights into evolutionary processes, adaptation, migration and extinction.
Welcoming new members to the CETAF network
A key moment of the Assembly was the formal approval of two new CETAF members: the Arctic University Museum of Norway (UiT) and the the Department of Biology and Ecology at the University of Novi Sad (RS), Faculty of Sciences.
The addition of these institutions further strengthens the geographic reach and scientific expertise of the CETAF network, expanding its presence from the Arctic region to South-East Europe. Representatives from both institutions highlighted the importance of international collaboration and the opportunities that CETAF offers for knowledge exchange, research partnerships and capacity building.
Recognising excellence and supporting future generations
The Assembly also hosted the announcement of the 7th edition of the E-SCoRe Award. This year’s award, dedicated to Early Career Researchers, was presented to Mariana Marques in recognition of her outstanding contributions to taxonomy, collections management and biodiversity science, particularly through her work on African amphibians and reptiles.
Participants also received updates from several CETAF initiatives, including the European Journal of Taxonomy (EJT) and the Distributed European School of Taxonomy (DEST), which continue to support taxonomic research, publication, training and capacity building across Europe.
Addressing future challenges for taxonomy and collections
Several sessions focused on how institutions can adapt to a rapidly evolving scientific and societal landscape.
Discussions on biodiversity data highlighted the importance of making scientific information more accessible, interoperable and reusable. Presentations explored the transition from Open Access to FAIR data principles and the role of initiatives such as the Disentis roadmap in improving the accessibility and discoverability of taxonomic knowledge.
Participants also attended a keynote lecture by Dr Katja Kaiser (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin), who addressed the legacy of colonialism in natural history collections. The presentation explored practical approaches for research institutions to better understand, document and engage with colonial objects while promoting responsible and reflective museum practices.
Another highlight was the panel discussion “Integrative Taxonomy: Revolution, Automation or Preservation?”, which brought together experts from systematics, molecular biology, artificial intelligence, collections management, publishing and training. The discussion emphasised the importance of maintaining integrative approaches while embracing technological innovation, transparency and collaboration in the future of taxonomic research.
Discovering Florence’s scientific heritage
Beyond the formal programme, participants had the opportunity to visit some of Florence’s most significant scientific collections, including the Botanical Garden, the Herbarium, La Specola and the Anthropology Museum.
These visits offered a unique perspective on the city’s scientific heritage and highlighted the enduring importance of collections as centres of research, education and public engagement.
Looking ahead
As CETAF59 concluded, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening collaboration across the European taxonomic community and advancing the role of natural science collections in biodiversity research, conservation and policy.
CETAF thanks the University of Florence and the Sistema Museale di Ateneo for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation of the Assembly.
The Assembly also looked ahead to future meetings, with CETAF60 set to take place in Crete, Greece, in June 2027, and the 3rd CETAF Directors’ Summit to be held in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in November 2027.
This article is part of CETAF’s coverage of the 59th General Assembly (CETAF59) held in Florence, Italy. Explore related articles on CETAF’s newest members, the 2026 e-SCoRe Award, and key discussions on integrative taxonomy and colonial collections.