National Bat Conference 2021- Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September 2021
Due to the ongoing coronavirus situation, we held the National Bat Conference 2020 online and were thrilled by the feedback we received. We are currently waiting for confirmation from the University of Warwick regarding whether we can go ahead in person this year. We are planning for it to be a hybrid event so you will also be able to join us online for much of the conference as well.

National Bat Conference - usually held in person
The National Bat Conference is the biggest event in the bat calendar - a weekend of exciting talks, workshops and networking. The conference is an opportunity to learn about the new discoveries in the world of bat conservation, catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Find out more about the conference highlights by searching #NatBatConf
NHBS, Pettersson and Wildlife Acoustics - Co-sponsors 2020
Event App
To facilitate networking during the online event, we introduced a BCT Events app which is available on Apple, Android and web-based.
Sponsors and Exhibitors
NHBS, Pettersson and Wildlife Acoustics co-sponsored the National Bat Conference 2020.
Batbox, Surescreen Scientifics, Titley Scientific and Vivara Pro - Premium exhibitors
Premium exhibitors
Basic exhibitors
If you are interested in supporting other BCT events through sponsorship or exhibiting, please get in touch, email nwebster@bats.org.uk
Additional Events
The BCT AGM and the Bat Worker's Forum will take place online this year. Further details to follow.
The Consultant's Forum will take place online this year independently of the conference. It provides an opportunity for consultant ecologists to come together to hear updates and discuss issues with their peers and BCT.
Awards
During the conference programme we usually present two awards:
- The Vincent Weir Scientific Award - This is awarded annually to a student at a UK-based institution who has made a significant contribution to research on the conservation biology of bats.
- The Pete Guest Award - This award goes to an individual who has made an outstanding practical contribution to bat conservation
We will also hear from the Winner of the Kate Barlow Award which aims to encourage postgraduate students to conduct a substantive bat research project and to honour the late Dr Kate Barlow's contribution to bat conservation.
Any queries about the conference, please email nwebster@bats.org.uk
Bursaries - applications are not yet open.
For details of the National Bat Conference Bursaries, please contact Abby Packham by emailing batgroups@bats.org.uk
The National Bat Conference will return in person in 2021
Next year, we plan to gather in person for the National Bat Conference 2021 and hope you will be able to join us. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.
The National Bat Conference 2019 took place 6-8 September 2019 at the University of Nottingham.
We were delighted that Professor Emma Teeling (University College Dublin) gave the Keynote this year and loved hearing from all our speakers.
You can view videos of some of the talks on our YouTube channel.
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