Wildlife research thriving in Canada's wilderness

According to Kalcounis-Rueppell, Canada is uniquely positioned to host wildlife-focused meetings due to its blend of vast wilderness and a strong network of researchers. 

“Canada is a leader in the wildlife sector from both a research standpoint and also an application and innovation standpoint, think about wildlife crossing in Alberta as an example,” she said. “We're a huge country with a lot of wild spaces... but we also have a legacy and history of world-leading wildlife researchers in Canada, and that is true across the country.” 

With 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves covering 343,377 square kilometres, Canada’s system of beautiful wild spaces and protected areas draws scientists and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. 

Indeed, Canada is home to generations of bat researchers who have contributed significantly to global species knowledge—and whose graduate students have trained around the world, before coming home.

“It’s a whole network of experts in Canada...because we've had exceptional leaders,” she explained. “Not only do we have a high per capita number of wildlife and bat biologists in Canada, but there’s high numbers of Canadian wildlife and bat biologists around the world.”

Nurturing knowledge surrounded by nature

As a hub of technology and innovation surrounded by boreal forest in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, Edmonton reflects this unique blend of nature and nurture.

Kalcounis-Rueppell knows that for the scientists attending these conferences, Edmonton’s wild spaces—plus Elk Island National Park, Banff, Jasper and the Rocky Mountains—will be a powerful draw. 

So too will direct flights into Edmonton International Airport from countries including the US, Mexico and the Netherlands, making it easy to access both the city and the great outdoors.

“We have the River Valley and green spaces that are just exceptional. It will be a thrilling few days for people even just to explore the North Saskatchewan River within the city limits,” she said.

"It's stunning at all times of year, but it's so wild when you're walking on the trails—and it's one of the most extensive urban trail systems anywhere in North America."

"It's an authentic experience of boreal forest that will be brand new for people."

This natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for both conference venues. The Wildlife Society's Annual Conference will take place at Edmonton Convention Centre, which is built out into the River Valley.

"You feel like you're on top of the North Saskatchewan River," says Kalcounis-Rueppell. "It's beautiful."

Meanwhile, the Annual Meeting of the North American Society for Bat Research will be held at the JW Marriott in Edmonton's downtown ICE District, Canada's largest mixed-use sports and entertainment district, and home of the Edmonton Oilers ice hockey team. 

"It's built for those sorts of collision conversations and it’s built in a way that is really welcoming to people from all over the world that want to come and have their professional meetings in a really inspiring, fun and energizing space."

Cross-pollination to solve big challenges

As a member of Explore Edmonton’s Edmonton Ambassador Network, Kalcounis-Rueppell had access to support and resources to help her put together a bid to attract the conferences to Edmonton.

But bringing both conferences to Edmonton back-to-back was not always part of her plan. Initially, her focus was only on the North American Society for Bat Research, until a colleague sparked an idea.

That colleague was Erin Baerwald, Assistant Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, who had been helping Kalcounis-Rueppell on the concept of bringing the conference to Edmonton.

Baerwald noted the Wildlife Society was also considering where to host its next meeting and suggested they welcome both meetings to Edmonton at the same time to foster cross-pollination of ideas.

What followed was a carefully coordinated effort with the Wildlife Society’s leadership aimed at fostering collaboration, driven by the desire to offer students and professionals the chance to interact across disciplines.

 “We’re always better at solving really big challenges when we’re collaborating and exchanging ideas,” she emphasized. "Sometimes it's good to get out of your focus area and really think about and learn about the ways that other scientists are approaching problems."

Edmonton’s bid to host both conferences was successful, ensuring that in the overlap between the two events, there will be opportunities for mixed events enabling delegates from both meetings to interact, and especially for students at both meetings to network with professionals in both societies.

Kalcounis-Rueppell says one of these events will include curling lessons and a bonspiel at the University of Alberta, to raise funds for students and enable international participants to cross "a curling tournament" off their bucket list.

She hopes this collaborative approach to hosting the conferences will nurture interdisciplinary thinking, as attendees from adjacent fields share insights both in the conference venue and on the curling rink.

Ensuring everyone gets a warm welcome

For Kalcounis-Rueppell, the conferences are not just about the science—they’re about leaving a positive legacy for people, planet and place.

"It's core to what the work is about," she says. "Working with the actual conference centre and thinking about the ways they're bringing economic sustainability as well as environmental sustainability into all aspects of the meeting."

In the case of the North American Society for Bat Research, community is woven throughout their annual meeting, including events to ensure everyone feels welcome and ombudspersons to make sure the meeting environment is safe. They are also looking at incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into the meeting.

Leaving a legacy for the next generation

For Kalcounis-Rueppell, the most important legacy is providing an opportunity for Canadian students to network with global leaders in their fields, which might not be possible if the conferences were held overseas. 

"You'll have young people all over Canada who are going to be our future leaders in the public service, in private industry, in research, in teaching and education, in science and innovation, that will get their start at this meeting or will make those beginning connections that they will carry through their careers," she explained.

With her passion for science, innovation, community and showcasing Edmonton and Alberta, Kalcounis-Rueppell is creating an unforgettable experience—one that will not only advance wildlife and bat research, but also foster meaningful connections and leave a lasting impact on all who attend.