The African Centre for Chemical Ecology in FABI hosted the first chemical ecology practicum from 21-24 October. The practicum was organised by Prof. Jeremy Allison (Natural Resources Canada), along with Dr Quentin Guignard (Natural Resources Canada), Dr Elisa Pal (INRAE), Prof. Almuth Hammerbacher (FABI), Prof. Christian Pirk (FABI), Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf (FABI) and Prof. Andres Gonzalez (Universidad de la República, Uruguay). It gathered 12 delegates from Universities in South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, France, Ghana, Uruguay and Vietnam to explore the fascinating world of chemical ecology and its practical applications in forestry and pest management.

Participants gained hands-on experience on a range of analytical and experimental methods, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), sampling, micro-reactions and laboratory bioassay techniques, deepening their understanding of how chemical signals shape ecological interactions.

After the practicum, the group travelled to Tzaneen for a field and laboratory visit at Insect Science (Pty) Ltd., where they observed how research in chemical ecology is transformed into real-world solutions for pest monitoring and management. This experience truly highlighted the value of collaboration between academia and industry. The week was  concluded with a memorable weekend in the Kruger National Park.