First Announcement · Inaugural Conference

Primate Management Conference Kenya (PMCK)

Bringing together international and local experts to advance the science and practice of managing captive nonhuman primates.

15–19 February 2027 KIPRE, Karen, Nairobi Hybrid — In-person & Virtual
5
Days of Sessions
~60
In-Person Seats
20+
Expert Presenters
4
Programme Units
About the Conference

Advancing Primate Care Across Kenya and the Region

Join us for the inaugural Primate Management Conference Kenya (PMCK) at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE), from 15th to 19th February 2027. The conference is designed for those responsible for, or interested in, aspects of the management of primates in captivity, and will feature presentations by internationally and locally renowned experts across many areas relevant to the management of captive nonhuman primates.

The PMCK opens with a public session on the afternoon of Monday, 15th February, followed by three full days of sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (9:00 am – 4:30 pm), and concludes with a half-day session and closing banquet lunch on Friday, 19th February. Sessions are built around hour-long presentations by international and local experts (most in-person, some via Zoom), with 45 minutes of lecture followed by 15 minutes of discussion.

Most presentations follow four parts:

  • The theory and/or science of the presenter's area of expertise
  • The methods used to address the presenter's science
  • How the presenter's expertise and methods apply to managing captive primates in Kenya
  • Questions from, and discussion with, conference participants

At a Glance

  • Dates: 15–19 February 2027
  • Venue: Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE), Karen, Nairobi
  • Format: Hybrid (in-person & virtual)
  • CPD: KVB approval pending for Veterinarians & Vet Technicians
  • In-person capacity: ~60 participants, primarily from institutions in Eastern & Southern Africa
Programme Structure

Four Units, One Comprehensive Programme

Unit 1 · Introduction & Summary
Conference Introduction Program Management Conference Summary
Unit 2 · Procedures & Methods
Research Methods Pharmaceutical Research African Green Monkeys Conservation Large Production Colonies (Mauritius)
Unit 3 · Behavior & Behavioral Management
Temperament Assessment Neuroscience Genetics Training Terminology Depression & Aging Positive Reinforcement Social Learning & Emotions Antipredator Behavior
Unit 4 · Veterinary Management
Health Care Training Sedation/Anesthesia Cardiology Pathology Behavioral Synergies Case Studies Treating Abnormal Behavior
Programme of Events

Full Agenda, Day by Day

Monday 15 – Friday 19 February 2027 · Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE), Karen, Nairobi

13:00
Introduction

Welcome remarks and orientation for delegates.

13:30
Opening Address — Director General

Keynote address by the Guest of Honor / Dignitary.

14:15
Opening Keynote — Prof. Steven J. Schapiro, PhD

Conference Introduction.

15:00
Break
15:30
Second Keynote — Dr. Brett Frye, PhD

Depression and Aging.

16:30
Sundowner Reception

Informal evening networking to close the opening day.

Morning Session
08:45
Opening Exercises
10:00
Dr. Elizabeth Magden, DVM, DACLAM

Positive Reinforcement Training and Health Care. Followed by Q&A.

11:00
Break
11:15
Dr. Jo Setchell, PhD

Research Methods. Followed by Q&A.

12:15
Lunch
Afternoon Session
13:00
Exercise
13:15
Dr. Johannes Refisch, PhD

Conservation. Followed by Q&A.

14:15
Dr. Mercy Akinyi, BVM, PhD

Veterinary and Behavioral Management Synergies. Followed by Q&A.

15:15
Break
15:30
Dr. Melanie Graham, PhD

Positive Reinforcement Training and Research. Followed by Q&A.

16:30
Daily Summary

Morning Session
08:45
Announcements
09:00
Dr. Lauren Drew Martin, DVM, DACLAM

Sedation/Anesthesia. Followed by Q&A.

10:00
Dr. Meg Sleeper, VMD, DACVIM

Cardiology. Followed by Q&A.

11:00
Break
11:15
Dr. Chelsea Wallace, DVM, DACLAM

Pharmaceutical Research. Followed by Q&A.

12:15
Lunch
Afternoon Session
13:00
Exercise
13:15
Dr. Anne Lewis, DVM, PhD, DACVP

Pathology. Followed by Q&A.

14:15
Kenyan Panelists — KIPRE, KWS & Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Case Studies. Panel discussion followed by Q&A.

15:15
Break
15:30
Dr. Lydia Hopper, PhD

Social Learning, Decision Making, and Emotions. Followed by Q&A.

16:30
Daily Summary

Morning Session
08:45
Announcements
09:00
Dr. Kris Coleman, PhD

Temperament Assessment. Followed by Q&A.

10:00
Dr. Jeff Rogers, PhD

Genetics. Followed by Q&A.

11:00
Break
11:15
Dr. Michele Mulholland, PhD

Neuroscience. Followed by Q&A.

12:15
Lunch
Afternoon Session
13:00
Exercise
13:15
Dr. Amy Beierschmitt, DVM

Management and Research with African Green Monkeys. Followed by Q&A.

14:15
Dr. Eric Hutchinson, DVM, DACLAM

Treating Abnormal Behavior. Followed by Q&A.

15:15
Break
15:30
Dr. Nancy Caine, PhD

Antipredator Behavior. Followed by Q&A.

16:30
Daily Summary

Morning Session
08:45
Announcements
09:00
Mauritian Panelists

Management of Large Production Colonies in Mauritius. Followed by Q&A.

10:00
Prof. Steven J. Schapiro, PhD

Behavioral Management and Training Terminology. Followed by Q&A.

11:00
Break
11:15
Susan Lambeth, LATG

Program Management. Followed by Q&A.

Closing Programme
12:15
Final Discussion
12:30
Evaluations
12:45
Final Summary — Dr. Jann Hau, MD
13:00
Final Lunch Banquet & Closing
Likely Presenters

Meet the Experts

International and local experts across research, veterinary care, and behavioral management.

SS
Prof. Steven J. Schapiro, PhD
Conference Introduction · Training Terminology
SL
Susan Lambeth, LATG
Program Management
JH
Dr. Jann Hau, MD
Conference Summary
JS
Dr. Jo Setchell, PhD
Research Methods
CW
Dr. Chelsea Wallace, DVM, DACLAM
Pharmaceutical Research
AB
Dr. Amy Beierschmitt, DVM
African Green Monkeys
JR
Dr. Johannes Refisch, PhD
Conservation
MP
Mauritian Panelists
Large Production Colonies
KC
Dr. Kris Coleman, PhD
Temperament Assessment
MM
Dr. Michele Mulholland, PhD
Neuroscience
JR
Dr. Jeff Rogers, PhD
Genetics
BF
Dr. Brett Frye, PhD
Depression & Aging
MG
Dr. Melanie Graham, PhD
Positive Reinforcement
LH
Dr. Lydia Hopper, PhD
Social Learning & Emotions
NC
Dr. Nancy Caine, PhD
Antipredator Behavior
EM
Dr. Elizabeth Magden, DVM, DACLAM
Health Care Training
LM
Dr. Lauren Drew Martin, DVM, DACLAM
Sedation/Anesthesia
MS
Dr. Meg Sleeper, VMD, DACVIM
Cardiology
AL
Dr. Anne Lewis, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Pathology
MA
Dr. Mercy Akinyi, BVM, PhD
Veterinary & Behavioral Synergies
KP
Kenyan Panelists
KIPRE, KWS & Sweet Waters — Case Studies
EH
Dr. Eric Hutchinson, DVM, DACLAM
Treating Abnormal Behavior

Presenter line-up is provisional and subject to confirmation closer to the conference dates.

In-Person Participation

What's Included

  • All conference materials, including a commemorative garment
  • Sundowner reception on Monday evening
  • Lunches and tea breaks on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
  • Closing lunchtime banquet on Friday afternoon
  • Facility tours

Please note: travel and hotel accommodation are NOT included in the registration cost.

Who Should Attend

Potential participants will apply to attend, and the organizing team reserves the right to select participants to optimize the composition of the group. Preference is given to those able to make decisions that directly influence the management of captive primates. In-person enrollment is limited to approximately 60 participants, drawn primarily from institutions in Eastern and Southern Africa who work with captive nonhuman primates. This programme is to be submitted for approval by the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) to offer Continuous Professional Development points to Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians.

Fees & Registration

Registration Costs

Category Virtual Early Bird by 15 Nov 2026 Regular / Late by 5 Dec 2026
Citizens KES 10,000 KES 20,000 KES 25,000
Non-Citizens USD 150 USD 250 USD 300
Students (Citizens) KES 5,000 KES 7,500 KES 10,000
Students (Non-Citizens) USD 100 USD 150 USD 200

Travel and hotel accommodation are NOT included in the registration cost.

Application Deadline
15 November 2026

Deadline to submit the pre-application form (applications welcome any time before this date).

Fee & Documents Due
5 December 2026

Deadline for selected applicants to submit documents and pay the registration fee.

How to Apply

1
Submit the pre-application form

Available any time at tinyurl.com/pmck2027, with a deadline of 15 November 2026.

2
Selection

The organizing team reviews applications and selects participants to optimize the composition of the group.

3
Complete the questionnaire & submit health information

Selected applicants will be asked for further details required for planning.

4
Pay the registration fee

Due by 5 December 2026 to confirm your place.

Get in Touch

Questions About the Conference?

Conference Secretariat

pmck2027@primateresearch.org

Dr. Mercy Akinyi

makinyi@primateresearch.org

Prof. Steve Schapiro

sschapir@mdanderson.org

We look forward to seeing you at KIPRE in February 2027

Full details and the pre-application form are available now — early deadlines help us plan every aspect of the PMCK.