Current Field Forum:
How to Build Complex Life: Understanding Ediacaran-Cambrian Environmental Change and the Emergence of Animals

University of Namibia Southern Campus | Keetmanshoop, Namibia, Africa | 25 May–2 June 2026

International Attendees

Complete and print out your Letter of Invitation

Applications

Application deadline: 30 Jan. 2026

Applicants will be notified of their attendance and presentation format by 20 February, and conference participants will be asked to register and submit a full abstract at that time.

There are two parts to 2026 Thompson Field Forum:
(1) the classroom-based conference with an unlimited number of participants and
(2) the field trip that will be limited to 40 participants. Venue details for these two parts are listed below.

Each participant will be expected to present at the conference (either oral or poster presentation), and to attend the full duration of the conference. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance, nor does it commit you to attendance.

Participants must commit to the full field conference. Group size is limited to 40 participants.

To apply, please complete the GSA Thompson Field Forum 2026 Application.

For questions, contact efsmith@jhu.edu.