1st Eastern European Bat Detector Workshop

The 1st Eastern European Bat Detector Workshop is an intensive training program dedicated to modern bat acoustic research. Hosted by the Department of Zoology at Yerevan State University, in collaboration with renowned experts Stuart Newson, Chris Damant, and Henry Schofield, this workshop offers a comprehensive bridge between theory and field application.

The workshop is held in conjunction with the 2nd Eastern European Bat Research Conference (EEBRC).

This workshop provides a deep dive into the practical and theoretical aspects of bat acoustics. Participants will:

• Master Identification Theory: Learn the principles of identifying bat species using ultrasound technology.
• Active Monitoring: Gain field experience with handheld devices such as the Pettersson D240X and Echo meter touch 2 and SongMeter 4 (Wildlife Acoustics) 
• Passive Deployment: Learn to configure and manage static recorders from D500x 
• (Pettersson), Elecon (BatLogger C) and SongMeter 4 (Wildlife Acoustics).
• Advanced Analysis: Process acoustic data using industry-standard software, including BatSound, BatExplorer, and Kaleidoscope.
• Contribute to Science: All survey data collected during the workshop will be compiled and published in the official workshop proceedings.

The objective of the workshop is to improve training and knowledge of the latest technology and experience on field identification of flying bats. The mixture of novice and well experienced bat workers (and everything between) enhances the learning process by self-awareness and development.

The target group is idealistic bat workers (enthusiasts/idealists, NGO's and scientists) who is or will work with bats in the future. 

The program balances rigorous classroom theory with practical night fieldwork:

• Lectures: Principles of bioacoustics and survey methodology.
• Equipment Demos: Deep dives into detector setup and configuration.
• Software Labs: Hands-on data verification and species identification.
• Fieldwork: Nightly sessions in diverse habitats (Mountain caves, river valleys, and urban green spaces).

Key Dates

• Registration Deadline: 30 July 2026
• Workshop Dates: 1–4 October 2026 

Registration fee  (including  accommodation and meals) - 300 EURO

Chairs

Astghik Ghazaryan, PhD - Head of Dept. of Zoology, Yerevan State University

Tigran Hayrapetyan - Head of the Armenian Association of Mammalogists

Tatevik Harutyunyan - PhD Student/Junior Researcher, YSU