ANdiNa VIII
Nerín, Spain 8-12 June 2026
This ANdinA workshop aims to bridge the gap between modelling and applied ecology to advance ecological predictions in real-world systems. We bring together 30 international theoretical and applied ecologists, half of whom are in their early scientific careers to think critically, engage in discourse, walk and reflect in nature, to narrow down an answer to the critical question: what is predictable in ecology, what is not, and why? This unique “walk-shop” will take place in the beautiful landscapes of the Aragonese Pyrenees in June 2026.
The Challenge
Ecosystems around the globe are moving outside their envelopes of ecological and evolutionary variability under human pressures, and these changes are accelerating. We cannot base our research or management decisions assuming the status quo anymore – we need to be able to predict in the short term how natural systems change to be able to make proactive decisions. However, unlike many other disciplines, like climatology or economics, we are very bad at predictions. But why?
Can we make predictions in complex natural systems? If so, how complex do the relevant models need to be? What are the underlying scientific and societal reasons for making predictions? And how can predictions be incorporated into a wide range of applied research to become the gold standard of ecology?
Improving predictions in ecology 