Celebrating the 30th IPS Congress 🇲🇬 – Madagascar, July 20–25, 2025

Highlights & Key Moments

• Opening and Closing Ceremonies were graced by the Malagasy Government, represented by Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Max Andonirina Fontaine, alongside other dignitaries—affirming national support for primate conservation.

• During the closing ceremony, Jonah Ratsimbazafy delivered a heartfelt closing speech and formally handed over the IPS presidency to Liliana Cortés‑Ortiz, who is now the new President of IPS

• IPS Awards presented on 25 July 2025, Antananarivo included:

  • Jonah Ratsimbazafy (President, 2022–2025): for visionary leadership and dedication to lemur and primate conservation in Madagascar, the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation Prize and a special accolade from the Malagasy Ministry of Environment in recognition of his service to the nation.

  • Cat Hobaiter (Vice President for Communications, 2016–2025): for advancing global primatology through inclusive communication.

  • Patricia Izar (Vice President for Education, 2016–2025): for promoting culturally informed education in primate conservation.

  • Karen B. Strier (Past President, 2016–2022): for distinguished leadership and lifelong dedication to world primates.

  • Patricia Wright: Lifetime Achievement Award for groundbreaking work safeguarding Madagascar’s lemurs.

  • Jörg Ganzhorn: Outstanding Achievement Award for exemplary contributions to primate ecology and conservation in Madagascar.

• The scientific program featured keynote speakers including Jonah Ratsimbazafy, Patricia Wright, Fabiano Melo, and Joerg Ganzhorn. Additionally, a moving memorial session honored Judith Masters and Fabien Génin.

  
  

Full IPS Officers & Local Organizing Committee

• President (2022–2025): Jonah Ratsimbazafy

• Secretary General: Júlio César Bicca‑Marques

• VP for Membership & Treasurer: Trudy Turner

• VP for Communications: Cat Hobaiter

• VP for Education: Patricia Izar

• VP for Conservation: Tatyana Humle

• VP for Welfare & Captive Care: Mollie Bloomsmith

• VP for Research: Marina Cords

• VP for Ethics, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Susana Carvalho

  
  

  Additionally, Karen Strier serves as Past President for the 2022–2025 term.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) was chaired by Dr. Josia Razafindramanana composed by:

• Pr. Jonah Ratsimbazafy

• Dr. Sylviane Volampeno

• Pr. Steve Goodman

• Dr. Timothy M. Eppley

• Dr. Onja Hariveloniaina Morilline Razanamaro

• Pr. Joelisoa Ratsirarson

• Soamalala Rakoto

  
  

Warm Acknowledgements

This Congress would not have been possible without the outstanding contributions and support of:

• All 759 in‑person and 133 virtual participants from NGOs, Universities, Research Institutions, conservation agencies, and student groups.

• The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), GERP's team and every staff member and volunteer who ensured smooth logistics, hospitality, and coordination.

• IPS Officers and Global Organizers, including:

  • President: Jonah Ratsimbazafy

  • Secretary General: Júlio César Bicca‑Marques

  • VP Membership & Treasurer: Trudy Turner

  • VP Communications: Cat Hobaiter

  • VP Education: Patricia Izar

  • VP Conservation: Tatyana Humle

  • VP Research: Marina Cords

  • VP Welfare & Captive Care: Mollie Bloomsmith

  • VP Ethics, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Susana Carvalho 

• Dr. Russell A. Mittermeier, of Re:wild and the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group Chair, whose global influence and decades of leadership underpinned many Congress themes.

• Novotel Convention & Spa for hosting the event,

• Fireflies, Ymagoo, and other sponsors and donors whose generosity enabled broad participation and high-quality programming.

• The Malagasy Government, especially Minister Max Andonirina Fontaine, for their presence at both ceremonies and commitment to environmental stewardship.

  
  

Reflecting Forward

The 30th IPS Congress was far more than a Congress—it was a powerful reaffirmation of global collaboration for primate science and conservation:

• It facilitated transcontinental knowledge exchange, elevated Malagasy science, and fostered policy-scientist-community dialogue.

• It showcased Madagascar’s critical role in global biodiversity and highlighted urgent conservation needs through forums like the updated “Primates in Peril” listings.

• It underscored the importance of sustained support—financial, institutional, and political—to protect primates worldwide.

  
  

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this Congress an extraordinary success. Your dedication, intellect, and passion have set a new benchmark for global primatological collaboration.

We look forward to keeping the momentum alive—working together for primates and our planet.

And see you again in Xi’an, China for the 31th IPS.