ICCB For All
We aim to promote an inclusive ICCB 2025 with diverse and equitable participation, and thus contribute to advancing justice in conservation science, policy and practice more broadly.
On this page:
English will no doubt be the common language at ICCB 2025. However, we are aware that conservation is practised and communicated in many languages other than English. For this reason, we aim to foster the participation of individuals from all linguistic backgrounds. We have therefore established the Language Accessibility Sub-committee to organise, lead, and facilitate initiatives to reduce language barriers for participants before and during the conference as much as possible and encourage people with diverse linguistic backgrounds to participate in ICCB 2025. Learn more about the language accessibility initiatives here.
SCB is dedicated to making ICCB 2025 accessible to all participants. Our aim is to ensure an inclusive and comfortable experience for everyone attending. Please see the venue’s access guide for detailed information on physical accessibility.
The hosts of ICCB 2025 – the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) and Society for Conservation Biology Oceania (SCBO) – strive to promote a welcoming environment at ICCB 2025, which is safe, collaborative, supportive, inclusive and productive for all attendees and service providers. SCB and SCBO value the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds and experiences reflected among attendees. To that end, all ICCB 2025 delegates and guests are expected to adhere to the following ICCB 2025 Code of Conduct, which outlines expected behaviour at the congress, how to report unacceptable behaviour, and potential consequences for violations.
ICCB 2025 will have a number of on-site contact officers who can be approached with concerns about behaviour or safety at the conference. Our contact officers are:
In addition to these SCB-affiliation volunteer contact officers we will also have an independent Safety Officer available during the conference (see additional details below).
In addition, the SCB ombuds group is an independent, neutral, and confidential resource for members of the SCB community who are concerned about behavior of staff, governors, members or other functionaries of SCB. SCB Ombuds representative at ICCB: Blake Simmons - scbombuds@conbio.org.
At ICCB 2025, we recognize that Indigenous delegates may wish to hold conversations, share knowledge and develop collaborations in a quiet and respectful environment.
As such we have created the ICCB Indigenous Space, an informal meeting room for Indigenous delegates inside the BCEC and just next to active conference rooms.
The ICCB 2025 Indigenous Space will be available during core daytime conference hours from Monday June 15 – Thursday June 19.
At ICCB 2025, we warmly welcome all attendees to a conference designed to be inclusive and supportive.
We understand that large events can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals, those whose first language is not English, and younger participants. To help everyone feel comfortable and included, we have created the ICCB Quiet Space —a peaceful retreat inside the BCEC and just next to active conference rooms where you can relax, recharge, and take some quiet time. This initiative embodies our commitment to making this event a meaningful and positive experience for everyone. This quiet, low-sensory room is designed for any conference delegates seeking a calm space during the event.
Please note that the Quiet Space is intended as a retreat and is not a workspace. For computer-related activities, designated work areas will be available. A list of recommended locations for working will be available on the conference app to help you stay productive when needed.
The ICCB Quiet Space is a limited-size area specifically reserved for attendees who require a low-sensory environment to recharge. To ensure this space remains accessible to those who need it most, we kindly encourage other attendees to explore the many relaxing areas available outside the BCEC. A list of recommended locations will be available on the conference app.
The ICCB 2025 Quiet Space will be available during core daytime conference hours from Monday June 15 – Thursday June 19.
Meet ICCB 2025’s Safety Officer
Josephine Mitchell will be ICCB 2025’s on-site independent Safety Officer and will also manage the ICCB Quiet Space. Josephine is dedicated to ensuring that ICCB 2025 is a welcoming and supportive environment for all attendees. 
Based in Brisbane/Turrabul & Yuggera Country, Josephine is highly qualified to provide the support needed for this role. Her extensive training includes working with diverse communities, promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety, and supporting accessibility in creative and event spaces. Motivated by her lived experience of disability, Josephine specialises in creating safe and inclusive experiences for diverse audiences.
Josephine will be based in the ICCB 2025 Quiet Space during opening hours and available to talk to delegates privately about any concerns regarding safety or potential breaches of the Code of Conduct.
We encourage attendees who are sensitive to noise to prepare by bringing earplugs. You can also order earplugs and eye masks in advance from somewhere like here or explore options like these event earplugs.
Disclaimer
Please remember that the ICCB Quiet Space is not a formal mental health resource. It is intended to provide a supportive environment for those managing challenging conditions during the conference. If you require further assistance, we encourage you to seek professional therapeutic support to meet your specific needs.
Disability Access Map for the BCEC
You can view and print a map with accessible entrances, parking, and more for BCEC facilities here. Printed copies are also available at our Information Desks. You can download the Venue Access Guide here.