Representing five countries across four continents, five GBatNet students, Ashraf, Cecilia, Parfait, Pedro, and Robin came together with a shared mission to advance research on Data Deficient bat species around the world. If Abby, another GBatNet student, had been able to join in person, we could have been six strong. But alas, one continent is short and a little bit sad about it.

After months of virtual meetings packed with brainstorming and lively debates, the in-person gathering gave the team a chance to roll up their sleeves, refine ideas, and give real shape to their plans. Together, they finalized research designs, pulled together valuable data, and split up tasks to keep the project moving forward. Now they are looking forward to sharing their findings with the wider scientific community and seeing the impact of all their work.