Are you a data specialist or biodiversity expert in West Asia looking to boost your skills? The GBIF Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop for West Asia 2026 offers a great chance to learn how to publish and manage biodiversity data. This free online program runs from May to June 2026 and targets professionals from countries like Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Workshop Overview
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Asia Regional Support Team runs this workshop to build skills in the West Asia region. It follows the GBIF Biodiversity Data Mobilization curriculum. Participants will cover project planning, data capture, data management, and data publication using GBIF’s tools.
Those who finish the workshop and complete assignments earn a digital badge. This badge proves their new skills in handling biodiversity data. The event helps more organizations share data openly, which supports global research on species and ecosystems.
Who Can Apply
This workshop is open to government workers and staff from organizations in the listed West Asian countries. You do not need advanced experience, but interest in biodiversity data helps. The goal is to train people who hold datasets or plan to publish them.
How Participants Are Chosen
Organizers expect many applications, so they will pick up to 35 people. Selection looks at these factors:
- If you have datasets ready to publish with licenses cleared.
- If you work at an institution with data to share.
- If you plan to run similar workshops later.
- If you want to mentor others (this needs the advanced badge).
- They also aim for a mix of locations and topics among participants.
Workshop Schedule
The program splits into three phases, all in English:
- May 18-22: Self-paced online prep work to get ready.
- May 25, 28; June 1, 4: Live Zoom sessions from 08:00-12:00 CEST (UTC+2), plus 4 hours of self-paced tasks each day.
- June 8-30: Online exercises to earn certification.
Plan for about 4-6 hours per day during the live weeks.
Application Details
Apply by April 17, 2026, at 23:59 UTC. You will hear back by April 24, 2026. Use this Google Form to submit.
For full details, check the GBIF event page. This workshop can help you contribute to worldwide biodiversity efforts from your desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the GBIF Virtual Data Mobilization Workshop?
Government workers and staff from organizations in West Asian countries like Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE, and Yemen can apply. You do not need advanced experience, but interest in biodiversity data is helpful.
What is the application deadline for the workshop?
Applications are due by April 17, 2026, at 23:59 UTC. You will hear back by April 24, 2026.
What is the schedule for the workshop?
It runs from May to June 2026 with self-paced prep on May 18-22, live Zoom sessions on May 25, 28 and June 1, 4 from 08:00-12:00 CEST, and exercises from June 8-30. Plan for 4-6 hours per day during live weeks.
How do I apply and what do I get for completing the workshop?
Submit your application using the Google Form linked in the details. Finish the workshop and assignments to earn a digital badge that shows your skills in biodiversity data handling.
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