GBIF Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop for West Asia 2026: Apply Now

The GBIF Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop for West Asia 2026 offers a great chance for people in the region to learn key skills in biodiversity data. This free online event helps participants share data using GBIF tools. Applications close on April 17, 2026, so interested folks should act fast.

Workshop Overview

The GBIF Asia Regional Support Team runs this workshop to build skills and boost data sharing in West Asia. It follows the GBIF Biodiversity Data Mobilization curriculum. Trainees learn project planning, data capture, management, and publication. The focus stays on GBIF’s tools and systems. Those who finish the tasks earn a badge for their skills.

Who Can Apply

This workshop welcomes government and organization reps from these countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. No other groups qualify.

How Selection Works

Organizers aim for up to 35 spots. If more apply, they pick based on these factors:

• People with ready datasets cleared for sharing.
• Reps from groups planning to publish data.
• Those set to run follow-up workshops.
• Future mentors (need advanced badge).
  They also balance locations and topics among picks.

Schedule and Format

The event runs in English over May and June 2026 in three parts:

• May 18-22: Self-paced prep online.
• May 25, 28; June 1, 4: Live Zoom sessions from 08:00-12:00 CEST (UTC+2), plus 4 hours self-paced daily.
• June 8-30: Online tasks for certification.

All applicants hear back by April 24, 2026.

Application Steps

Fill out the online form by April 17, 2026, at 23:59 UTC. Find it through the GBIF event page or direct links from announcements. Check the full details at the official GBIF site for the workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the GBIF Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop?

Government and organization representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen can apply. No other groups qualify.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on April 17, 2026, at 23:59 UTC, so apply soon.

What does the workshop cover?

Participants learn project planning, data capture, management, and publication using GBIF tools. Completing tasks earns a skills badge.

When is the workshop schedule?

It runs in May and June 2026 with self-paced prep from May 18-22, live Zoom sessions on May 25, 28 and June 1, 4 from 08:00-12:00 CEST, and tasks from June 8-30.