11th Congress of the International Society of Hymenopterists – International Society of Hymenopterists

10-14 August 2026, Mexico City

Held at the Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Please note: all information on this page is presented first in English, and then in Spanish.

About the Congress

Location

About Mexico City

About UNAM

About Instituto de Biología

Congress Venue

About Mexico City

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is one of the largest and most vibrant urban centres in the world, home to over 9 million inhabitants within the city proper and more than 21 million in its metropolitan area. Founded in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, it later became the centre of the Viceroyalty of New Spain after the Spanish conquest in 1521. This rich history is reflected in its remarkable architecture and cultural heritage, with iconic landmarks such as the Zócalo, the Templo Mayor, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, as well as the nearby Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mexico City is also a hub of education and research in Latin America. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), founded in 1910, is the oldest and most prestigious university in the country and one of the most important in the region. Its main campus, Ciudad Universitaria, located in the southern part of the city, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 for its outstanding architectural and artistic design. The university hosts around 370,000 students across all its campuses and research centres, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes and contributing significantly to scientific and cultural development in Mexico and beyond.

With its blend of deep historical roots, dynamic modern life, and thriving academic environment, Mexico City offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of tradition, innovation, and world-class research.

Acerca de la Ciudad de México

La Ciudad de México, capital del país, es uno de los centros urbanos más grandes y vibrantes del mundo, con más de 9 millones de habitantes en la ciudad y más de 21 millones en su área metropolitana. Fundada en 1325 como Tenochtitlan, capital del Imperio Azteca, se convirtió posteriormente en el centro del Virreinato de la Nueva España tras la conquista española en 1521. Esta rica historia se refleja en su notable arquitectura y patrimonio cultural, con lugares emblemáticos como el Zócalo, el Templo Mayor y el Palacio de Bellas Artes, así como las cercanas pirámides de Teotihuacan, declaradas Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO.

La Ciudad de México también es un importante centro de educación e investigación en América Latina. La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), fundada en 1910, es la universidad más antigua y prestigiosa del país y una de las más importantes de la región. Su campus principal, Ciudad Universitaria, ubicado al sur de la ciudad, fue declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO en 2007 por su excepcional diseño arquitectónico y artístico. La universidad cuenta con alrededor de 370,000 estudiantes distribuidos en sus distintos campus y centros de investigación, ofreciendo una amplia gama de programas de licenciatura y posgrado y contribuyendo de manera significativa al desarrollo científico y cultural de México y del mundo.

Con su mezcla de profundas raíces históricas, vida moderna dinámica y un entorno académico de primer nivel, la Ciudad de México ofrece a sus visitantes una oportunidad única para experimentar la intersección entre tradición, innovación e investigación de clase mundial.

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About UNAM at Ciudad Universitaria

Ciudad Universitaria (CU) is an outstanding example of modernist architecture and urban planning, designed in the early 1950s by a multidisciplinary team of Mexican architects, engineers, and artists. Conceived as a “city within a city,” CU harmoniously integrates academic buildings, sports facilities, and open spaces within a landscape of volcanic rock from the ancient lava fields of El Pedregal. Its design follows the principles of modern functionalism, characterised by clean lines, geometric forms, and the fusion of art and architecture—embodied in the numerous murals and sculptures that adorn its buildings.

Among its most remarkable landmarks is the Espacio Escultórico, a monumental open-air installation created in 1979 that merges contemporary art with the natural terrain of the Pedregal. The Central Library, with its iconic stone mosaic mural by Juan O’Gorman, stands as a national symbol of Mexican identity and creativity. Surrounding these landmarks, the Cultural Zone brings together museums, theatres, and concert halls—such as the University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC) and the Nezahualcóyotl Concert Hall—which make Ciudad Universitaria not only an architectural masterpiece but also one of the most vibrant cultural and intellectual centres in Latin America.

Acerca de la UNAM en Ciudad Universitaria

Ciudad Universitaria (CU) es un ejemplo sobresaliente de la arquitectura y el urbanismo modernistas, diseñada a inicios de la década de 1950 por un equipo multidisciplinario de arquitectos, ingenieros y artistas mexicanos. Concebida como una “ciudad dentro de la ciudad”, CU integra de manera armónica edificios académicos, instalaciones deportivas y espacios abiertos en un paisaje de roca volcánica proveniente de los antiguos campos de lava del Pedregal. Su diseño sigue los principios del funcionalismo moderno, caracterizado por líneas limpias, formas geométricas y la fusión del arte y la arquitectura, reflejada en los numerosos murales y esculturas que adornan sus edificios.

Entre sus lugares más destacados se encuentra el Espacio Escultórico, una monumental instalación al aire libre creada en 1979 que combina el arte contemporáneo con el terreno natural del Pedregal. La Biblioteca Central, con su icónico mural de piedra mosaico diseñado por Juan O’Gorman, se erige como un símbolo nacional de la identidad y creatividad mexicanas. En torno a estos monumentos, la Zona Cultural reúne museos, teatros y salas de concierto —como el Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC) y la Sala Nezahualcóyotl—, lo que convierte a Ciudad Universitaria no solo en una obra maestra arquitectónica, sino también en uno de los centros culturales e intelectuales más dinámicos de América Latina.

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About Instituto de Biología (IBUNAM)

The Institute of Biology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (IBUNAM) is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious research institutions in the field of natural sciences. Founded in 1929, it has played a leading role in documenting and studying Mexico’s extraordinary biodiversity. Its current headquarters, located within Ciudad Universitaria, reflect the architectural principles of the university’s modernist design, integrating functionality, open spaces, and natural light to foster scientific collaboration and connection with the surrounding landscape. The IBUNAM houses extensive zoological, botanical, and mycological collections that serve as essential references for biodiversity research in Mexico and Latin America.

Adjacent to the IBUNAM lies the UNAM Botanical Garden, established in 1959, which conserves and displays a vast collection of native Mexican flora, including many threatened and endemic species. The recently inaugurated Pabellón de la Biodiversidad (PaBio), which is part of the IBUNAM, serves as a public exhibition and education space highlighting Mexico’s biological richness. Designed as a contemporary and sustainable structure that combines glass, steel, and volcanic stone, the PaBio continues the architectural dialogue with the natural landscape of the Pedregal while incorporating state-of-the-art exhibition and educational facilities. Together, the IBUNAM, the Botanical Garden, and the PaBio form an integrated centre for research, conservation, and public engagement with Mexico’s biodiversity.

Acerca del Instituto de Biología (IBUNAM)

El Instituto de Biología de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (IBUNAM) es una de las instituciones de investigación más antiguas y prestigiosas del país en el campo de las ciencias naturales. Fundado en 1929, ha desempeñado un papel fundamental en la documentación y estudio de la extraordinaria biodiversidad de México. Su sede actual, ubicada dentro de Ciudad Universitaria, refleja los principios arquitectónicos del diseño modernista de la universidad, integrando funcionalidad, espacios abiertos y luz natural para fomentar la colaboración científica y la conexión con el entorno. El IBUNAM alberga extensas colecciones zoológicas, botánicas y micológicas que constituyen referencias esenciales para la investigación de la biodiversidad en México y América Latina.

A un costado del IBUNAM se encuentra el Jardín Botánico de la UNAM, fundado en 1959, que conserva y exhibe una vasta colección de flora mexicana nativa, incluyendo muchas especies amenazadas y endémicas. El recientemente inaugurado Pabellón de la Biodiversidad (PaBio), que forma parte del IBUNAM, funciona como un espacio público de exhibición y educación que destaca la riqueza biológica de México. Diseñado como una estructura contemporánea y sostenible que combina vidrio, acero y piedra volcánica, el PaBio continúa el diálogo arquitectónico con el paisaje natural del Pedregal, incorporando modernas instalaciones educativas y museográficas. En conjunto, el IBUNAM, el Jardín Botánico y el PaBio conforman un centro integrado de investigación, conservación y divulgación de la biodiversidad mexicana.

IBUNAM, main building

Botanical garden

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Congress Venue

The onsite registration and the oral and poster presentations will take place at the auditorium located in the Jardín Botánico. The welcome party will take place at the PaBio. Lunch during the congress will be included with the registration and will be provided at Jardín La Espiga, located about 50 m from the auditorium.

Sede del Congreso

El registro presencial y las presentaciones orales y de carteles se llevarán a cabo en el auditorio ubicado en el Jardín Botánico. La recepción de bienvenida se realizará en el PaBio. El almuerzo durante el congreso estará incluido en la inscripción y se ofrecerá en el Jardín La Espiga, ubicado aproximadamente a 50 metros del auditorio.

Jardín Botánico, auditorium

Foro Dhalia

Jardín La Espiga

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Visa Information

Participants travelling to Mexico must verify the visa requirements applicable to their country of citizenship before making travel arrangements. Citizens of several countries, including most from Latin America, do not require a visa to enter Mexico for tourism or academic events lasting less than 180 days, provided they hold a valid passport. However, participants from countries that do require a visa are strongly encouraged to initiate the application process well in advance, as processing times may vary depending on the local Mexican consulate.

For attendees from countries that do require a visa, the Organising Committee of the 11th International Congress of the International Society of Hymenopterists will provide an official letter of invitation upon request. This letter can be used to support the visa application and should be requested as early as possible to ensure timely processing. Please contact the organisers (ishmexico2026@gmail.com) if you need further information or documentation for your visa application.

Información sobre Visas

Los participantes que viajen a México deben verificar los requisitos de visa aplicables a su país de ciudadanía antes de hacer sus arreglos de viaje. Los ciudadanos de varios países, incluyendo la mayoría de los países latinoamericanos, no requieren visa para ingresar a México con fines turísticos o académicos por un periodo menor a 180 días, siempre que cuenten con un pasaporte válido. Sin embargo, se recomienda encarecidamente a los participantes de países que sí requieren visa iniciar el proceso de solicitud con suficiente anticipación, ya que los tiempos de trámite pueden variar según el consulado mexicano correspondiente.

Para los asistentes de países que sí requieren visa, el Comité Organizador del 11th International Congress of the International Society of Hymenopterists proporcionará una carta oficial de invitación previa solicitud. Esta carta podrá utilizarse para respaldar la solicitud de visa y deberá solicitarse lo antes posible para asegurar su procesamiento oportuno. Por favor, contacte a los organizadores (ishmexico2026@gmail.com) si necesita más información o documentación para su solicitud.

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Key Dates

Key dates, including registration opening and closing dates, are coming soon. Registration is expected to open in November or December 2025.

Registration open: Nov/Dec 2025
Early bird registration close: TBA
Registration close: TBA
Collection trip registration open: TBA
Collection trip registration close: TBA
Abstract submission open: TBA
Abstract submission close: TBA
Student travel grant application open: TBA
Student travel grant applications close: TBA

Organising Committee

Alejandro Zaldívar Riverón
Jovana M. Jasso-Martínez
Ismael A. Hinojosa Díaz
Juana María Coronado Blanco
Ricardo Ayala Barajas

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Code of Conduct

As with all meetings, congress attendees are obligated to respect and adhere to the ISH Code of Conduct.

Travel and Accommodation

How to get to the UNAM Institute of Biology

(Modified from https://www.ib.unam.mx/ib/como-llegar/)

The Institute of Biology (IB) is located at the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), known as Ciudad Universitaria (CU). This is a large campus situated in the southern part of Mexico City, within the Coyoacán district. The IB is located on the western side of Ciudad Universitaria. It can be reached via Mexico City’s public transport system from the Universidad Metro station on Line 3 (the light green line), or from the Ciudad Universitaria Metrobus station (Line 1). From either station, there is a connection with the Pumabús, UNAM’s free internal transport system.

Link to the Interactive Map of Ciudad Universitaria (see number 29 – Institute of Biology):
https://www.unaminternacional.unam.mx/archivos/doc/blog/quieres-estudiar-en-la-unam/ciudad-universitaria.pdf

Link to the Pumabús network website:
https://www.dgsgm.unam.mx/pumabus.html

The IB facilities complex is located a few metres before the Jardín Botánico stop on the Pumabús system. Entering from the Circuito Exterior (the main road on that side of the campus), the central buildings are on the right, and the Jardín Botánico buildings (including the auditorium) are on the left. The event will be held primarily in the Jardín Botánico auditorium. Signs will be provided to help you locate both the auditorium and the registration desk.

Access via Metro and Metrobus

Universidad Metro Station
Arrive at the Universidad Metro station, which is the terminal station of Line 3. Take the exit towards the university campus (west exit, on the right-hand side of the station), enter CU and locate the Pumabús stop, specifically Route 4, which runs from the Universidad Metro station to the Jardín Botánico.

The boarding stop for Pumabús Route 4 is located along the university circuit, past the “Tú y Yo” sculpture (follow the dashed line on the map shown below). Board Route 4 and get off at the Jardín Botánico stop (approximately a 20-minute ride). Enter the IB facilities following the directions given above (see map in the next section).

Metrobus CU

Arrive at the Ciudad Universitaria station on Line 1 of the Metrobus network. Walk along the station’s access platform and turn left (west) at the intersection with the bridge that connects both sides of the campus. Go down the access ramp from the Metrobus station and follow the path for about 50 m until you reach the Pumabús “Metrobus CU” stop (the route is marked by the black dotted line on the map below). Wait at the stop for Pumabús Route 10 and board. Get off at the “Jardín Botánico” stop (a 5–10 minutes ride). Enter the IB facilities following the directions given in the previous section.

Alternatively, you can walk to the IB facilities (a 10–15 minutes walk) by crossing the circuit from the Pumabús “Metrobus CU” stop, following the route shown on the map below (red dashed line). This route passes outside the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Ecology, reaching the Pumabús “Jardín Botánico” stop, from which you can follow the same directions for accessing the IB provided in the previous section.

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Transportation from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to the UNAM Institute of Biology

The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). Access to the city’s metro network is through the Terminal Aérea Metro station on Line 5 (yellow line), located next to Gate 1 of AICM Terminal 1.

If your flight arrives at AICM Terminal 2, you must take a bus from Gate 4 at that terminal (fare: $16.00 MXN) to reach Terminal 1.

To enter the Metro, you need a Mobility Card, which can be purchased at any station (cost: $15.00 MXN, plus travel credit). Each Metro ride costs $5.00 MXN, and you can add as much credit as needed. Medium-sized suitcases are allowed on the Metro.

Please note that in the Mexico City Metro, the first two train cars are reserved for women and children under 12; the remaining cars are open to all passengers.

Instructions

Enter the Terminal Aérea station on Metro Line 5, go to the platform towards Politécnico, and board the train.
Get off at La Raza station (7 stops from Terminal Aérea).
Transfer to Line 3 (light green line) at La Raza, take the platform heading towards Universidad, and board the train.
Get off at Universidad station (17 stops from La Raza; Universidad is the terminal station).
Take the west exit from the station (follow the signs to the university campus). Once inside the campus, locate the Pumabús stop and specifically the Route 4 boarding point (see map and details in the Metro Universidad section above).
Take Pumabús Route 4 (Metro Universidad – Jardín Botánico).
Get off at the Jardín Botánico stop (approximately a 20-minute ride).
Enter the Institute of Biology complex (see Metrobus CU map above).

Link to the Mexico City Metro (and other public transport systems) network map:
https://www.semovi.cdmx.gob.mx/movilidad-integrada/mi-mapa

From Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA)

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) began operations recently. It is located about 40 km north of Mexico City, so connecting to the city’s public transport system takes longer. If you arrive at this airport, there are several options for reaching Metro stations in the northern part of the city. Always ensure you use authorised transportation.

Take a bus from AIFA to any terminal in Mexico City (the most accessible is the Indios Verdes Metro station on Line 3).
At Indios Verdes, board Metro Line 3 towards Universidad.
Get off at Universidad station (20 stops; this route covers the entire Line 3).
Follow instructions 5 to 8 described above for arrivals from AICM.

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Accommodation Suggestion

The Radisson Paraíso Mexico City Hotel (Google Maps link) is conveniently located near the Institute of Biology. It is close to the Perisur Metrobus station, which is two stops away from Ciudad Universitaria station (direction: Indios Verdes). The hotel is also adjacent to a shopping centre offering a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

The cost is relatively affordable, and the hotel offers a preferential rate for UNAM events. As of October 2025, the nightly rate for a room with two double beds (maximum two adults and two children under 12) is $1,623.25 MXN (approximately $90.00 USD).

Student Travel Grants

The society will be accepting applications for student travel grants; more information including eligibility, application templates and opening/closing dates will be announced soon.

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