CALL for POSTERS for SHNH Summer Meeting 2026 The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) at 200: Science, Society, and the Natural World
SHNH International Summer Meeting in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London
Huxley Lecture Theatre, Zoological Society of London, London
Wednesday 1st July to Friday 3rd July 2026.
This three-day international meeting, held in the Society for the History of Natural History’s 90th year, will mark the bicentenary of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and delve into its history and impact on our knowledge of the natural world. Founded in the age of empire and Enlightenment science, ZSL has shaped – and been shaped by – transformations in zoological knowledge, conservation practice, and human-animal relations. The bicentenary offers a timely opportunity to explore ZSL’s history and to reflect on its legacy in Britain and beyond.
Founded in 1826 by Sir Stamford Raffles, the ZSL became a cornerstone of British scientific life. Within just a few years it had opened the London Zoo (1828), received a Royal Charter (1829), and absorbed the collections of the royal menagerie, once housed at the Tower of London (1831). Throughout the nineteenth century, ZSL pioneered public zoological attractions, including the world’s first Reptile House (1849) and Aquarium (1850). Iconic animals such as Obaysch the hippopotamus and Jumbo the elephant became cultural phenomena, while figures like Charles Darwin and Evelyn Cheesman shaped its scientific reputation. The founding of Whipsnade Zoo in 1931 marked a shift toward open zoological parks, and the establishment of the Institute of Zoology in the 1960s positioned ZSL as a leader in conservation research.
As part of the conference, we are offering the opportunity to display academic posters and invite scholars, researchers and practitioners to submit posters that delve into the history of the ZSL, its members and animals, together with its role and importance in shaping our understanding of the natural world over time.
We welcome posters that explore (but are not restricted to) the following topics:
- The zoo as a site of science and experimentation, education, spectacle and entertainment
- ZSL’s role in collecting, classifying, and displaying animals from across the world
- ‘Star’ animals and their legacy
- ZSL and its role in institutional and global networks
- Zoo design and the aesthetics of zoological display, including botanical planting
- The role of ZSL in conservation science and breeding programmes
- Animal care and control including veterinary science and feeding regimes
- The work of artists inspired by ZSL’s collections
Posters should be size A0 or A1 and portrait, however we can accommodate a small number of landscape posters if required. All poster fixings will be provided, and it is the responsibility of the poster presenter to arrange poster printing. Poster presenters are expected to attend the meeting, and stand alongside their poster during the relevant parts of the programme. Presenters should bring their poster with them on the day.
Abstracts for posters should be submitted to Dr Elle Larsson, Meetings Secretary at: meetings@shnh.org.uk. Please include a title, an abstract (up to 250 words) and an author biography (up to 100 words). These should be submitted as a single word document with your name in the file name.
The deadline for submission is 8 May 2026.