AFRAS 2027 · About
The African Arachnological Society
Who AFRAS are, what the colloquium is for, and who is bringing the 15th colloquium to the Waterberg.
The society
A colloquium for African arachnids
The African Arachnological Society (AFRAS) and the Organising Committee invite members of the arachnological community and accompanying guests to the 15th AFRAS Colloquium. It is organised by the DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria, and held at the Lapalala Wilderness School in Limpopo from 10 to 15 January 2027.
This is an opportunity for international and local arachnologists to connect and discuss collaborative projects on the hugely diverse African arachnid fauna.
The AFRAS Colloquiums are meetings of local and international arachnologists who research African arachnids, held every three years.
We strongly encourage participation by students and fellow arachnologists in Africa.
AFRAS is a non-profit scientific organisation. Membership is free.
At a glance
- Colloquium
- The 15th, held every three years
- Dates
- 10-15 January 2027
- Venue
- Lapalala Wilderness School, Limpopo
- Organised by
- DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria
- Membership
- Free
Students and African researchers
Students and arachnologists in Africa are strongly encouraged to take part. Limited sponsorships are available for residents of African countries who present at the colloquium.
SponsorshipsOrganisers
The organising committee
The colloquium is organised by the DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History in Pretoria. Carlamani Conferences handles registration, accommodation and logistics.
-
Tharina Bird
AFRAS Chair
-
Xoli Mavimbela
Organising committee
-
Robin Lyle
Organising committee
-
Charles Haddad
Organising committee
-
Ansie Dippenaar-Schoeman
Organising committee
With the support of
- Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
- DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History
- African Arachnological Society (AFRAS)
- Waterberg Research Support Centre
Collections after the colloquium
Delegates who would like to visit arachnid collections after the colloquium can contact the curators below. Details of curators at other institutions are available on request.
- Tharina Bird, DITSONG collections: tharina@ditsong.org.za
- Robin Lyle, Agricultural Research Council (ARC) collections: LyleR@arc.agric.za
Contact
Get in touch
Delegates are encouraged to contact the organisers with any questions.
The colloquium, abstracts, collecting
Tharina Bird
AFRAS Chair, DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History
- Landline
- +27 (0)12 492 2158
- Mobile, WhatsApp
- +27 (0)72 317 8814
Registration, accommodation, invoices, visa letters
Carla de Jager
Carlamani Conferences
33 Spitfire Ave, Pierre van RyneveldCenturion, 0157
South Africa
conference@carlamani.com