Xi'an to host intl primatological congress in 2027

The 31st International Primatological Society (IPS) Congress will be held in Xi'an, the capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, in 2027, making it the second Chinese city to host the event after Beijing in 2002.

This year's 29th IPS Congress, held from Aug 19 to 25 in Kuching, Malaysia, was a success, with over 600 representatives from more than 60 countries attending.

The IPS Congress is the highest-level academic exchange platform for researchers in non-human primatological studies and conservation. The congress covers various fields such as ecology, conservation biology, animal behaviors, veterinary medicine, genetics, psychology, clinical medicine, neurobiology, and anthropology.

During the 25th IPS Congress in August 2014, the IPS approved the formal inclusion of China, making it the 13th executive committee member of the IPS.

In August 2017, the China Primatological Society, led by Northwestern University, was officially established in Xi'an. It has become a national secondary-level society with over 200 member units.

Xi'an, located in the geographic center of China and serving as a gateway to western China, is renowned for its diverse primatological species and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal location for hosting the IPS Congress.

Northwestern University is a critical academic research institution for wildlife conservation in northwestern China and one of the research centers for primatological studies in China. It has long been at the forefront of primate research and conservation, nurturing a group of Chinese primatologists.

The bid's success will further promote international scientific and technological cooperation in Xi'an, strengthen China's voice in international primatology research, and contribute to the global conservation of biodiversity.