Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico

5th International Symposium on Syngnathid Biology

Ready for the 5th Edition?

October 2027

Express interest About the symposium About the venue

Syngnathid science.
One place. Three days.

SyngBio 2027 brings together scientists, practitioners and stakeholders working on the biology, ecology, conservation and monitoring of syngnathid fishes, including seahorses, pipefishes, pipehorses and seadragons.

The meeting aims to share new findings, discuss practical experience, identify knowledge gaps and strengthen collaboration across research, management and conservation.

When
27–29 October 2027 (to be confirmed)
Where
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Edition
5th
For
Researchers, students and conservation stakeholders

Seahorses, pipefishes, pipehorses and seadragons

Collage of a red seahorse, a banded pipefish and a leafy seadragon, with a weedy seadragon swimming across the frames

Since 2011, SyngBio has brought the syngnathid community together in Sweden, Portugal, the United States and China. In 2027, it arrives in Mexico, and we meet in person for the first time in ten years.

  1. 2011Fiskebäckskil, Sweden1st edition
  2. 2013Faro, Portugal2nd edition
  3. 2017Tampa Bay, USA3rd edition
  4. 2021Guangzhou, China4th editionHeld online
  5. 2027Mérida, Mexico5th edition

Conference venue.
CEPHCIS – UNAM

Colonnaded courtyard of CEPHCIS, with a garden and a blue reflecting pool

The Centro Peninsular en Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales (CEPHCIS) is an interdisciplinary research center in the humanities and social sciences at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Dedicated to the study and analysis of regional and Latin American issues, CEPHCIS is based in the Yucatán Peninsula, where it carries out its activities in support of the university's mission to promote research, train professionals, foster academic outreach, and disseminate culture.

Building
Former Rendón Peniche Sanatorium, 1920
Address
Calle 43 s/n, between 44 and 46, Col. Industrial, 97150 Mérida, Yucatán

Everything a short walk away

Mérida, YucatánMexico

Mexico is a country of many layers: ancient Maya and Aztec heritage, colonial cities, and some of the richest biodiversity on Earth, from desert and jungle to two oceans. Its traditional cuisine is recognised by UNESCO, and its welcome is warm.

  • Maya heritage

    El Castillo at Chichén Itzá, under two hours from Mérida. Uxmal, Calakmul and Cobá are within reach too, with community tourism at Ek Balam.

    The pyramid of El Castillo at Chichén Itzá under a sunset sky
    Chichén Itzá

  • Cenotes and jungle

    Sixty-six million years ago an asteroid struck this coast, leaving a ring of cenotes still visible today. Swim in one such as X‑Canche and walk into the Maya forest.

    Divers in a cenote, with shafts of sunlight falling through the clear water
    Cenotes and jungle

  • Izamal and Campeche

    The yellow town of Izamal, and further south the walled city of Campeche.

    The yellow arcades of the convent of San Antonio de Padua in Izamal, with a horse-drawn carriage in front
    Izamal, the yellow city

  • Mérida by night

    The cathedral of San Ildefonso, lit up at the heart of the White City.

    The lit nave of the cathedral of San Ildefonso in Mérida, with its stone columns and wooden pews
    Mérida by night

  • Wild coast

    Flamingos at Celestún, the coral reefs and historic port of Sisal, and the beaches near Progreso.

    Flock of pink flamingos wading in shallow water at Celestún, with mangroves behind
    Wild coast

  • Syngnathids in the wild

    A possible snorkel in the coastal waters of Campeche, at the Los Petenes reserve, to watch syngnathids in their natural habitat.

    A clear turquoise pool fringed by palms, ferns and overhanging trees at Cenote Zacil-Ha
    Syngnathids in the wild

Come for the science. Stay for Día de Muertos.

SyngBio 2027 opens in Mérida on 27 October, just days before Yucatán welcomes its dead with altars, candles and marigolds. Three days of syngnathid science in one of Mexico’s most atmospheric cities.

On 1 and 2 November, families across the country welcome their loved ones home with ofrendas: altars of marigolds, candles, photographs, favourite foods and pan de muerto. It is not a day of mourning. It is a celebration of memory, colour and shared meals, recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

A Día de Muertos ofrenda with painted sugar skulls, papier-mâché skeletons, orange marigolds and candles

Save the date

October
2027

MéridaYucatán, Mexico

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