This one-day event aims to bring together local evolution researchers with networking sessions. Attendees will have the chance of presenting their work in the form of short talks or poster sessions. Besides, those interested can participate in a science-inspired art contest.

This year's edition will also feature a keynote lecture by the invited speaker Tania Jenkins (University of Geneva), and a panel discussion on career paths with former PhD students.

Keynote talk abstract

From parasites to participation: rethinking how we do science

What happens when an evolutionary biologist steps beyond the traditional academic path? In this talk, I will reflect on my own transition from evolutionary biology to science communication and citizen science, and on what I have learned along the way.

I will begin by asking what we mean by citizen science and how involving people beyond academia can contribute to research- not simply as participants or data collectors, but as true partners in the coproduction of knowledge. I will then share experiences from two very different projects: CoFish, a collaboration with fishers and researchers investigating the sustainability of Lake Geneva fish populations and SchoolFaN, where students became citizen scientists investigating climate misinformation online. Through these examples, I will explore both the opportunities and the challenges of working to bridge science and society.

I will close by reflecting on what citizen science can offer evolutionary biologists and invite you to consider where citizens, communities and other forms of knowledge could become part of your own research.

Key dates

• 3 July – Registration and abstract submission open.
• 13 September – Abstract submission deadline.
• 18 September – Notification of selected oral and poster presentations.
• 12 October – Registration deadline for attendees.
• 15 October – Symposium.

Symposium attendance is free!
However, registration is required (there is limited capacity):
https://forms.gle/MWHfcyXT4gS3rhEF7

Everyone is invited to come!
Abstract submissions are closed, but you can contact us if there are any questions through email ([email protected]).

Technical information for participants

• Posters should be size A0 and portrait.
• Short talks will last a maximum of 8 minutes besides 2 additional minutes for questions.
• Art participants please contact organizators for art installation requirements.
• For any inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Preliminary program

Event location

The symposium will take place at the CMIMA (Centre Mediterrani d'Investigacions Marines i Ambientals) in Barcelona, Spain, on 15 October 2026.