The evolution and divergence of molecules is closely linked with the evolution of populations. A holistic understanding of any biological process requires probing at both the mechanistic (molecular) and the evolutionary level. Traditionally, the two were seen as very different disciplines, and the subsequent lack of intermingling diminished scientific understanding. While the divide has lessened in the West, in India there are still very few researchers who combine expertise in molecular biology with evolutionary ideas and concepts in their work, but their number is rapidly increasing. In this SMBE regional meeting, we bring together early and mid-career researchers from India and abroad who explore both molecular and evolutionary biology. The expert talks will be accompanied by poster sessions and/or talks by students. This meeting will host a maximum of 40 participants. It aims to foster scientific interaction and discussions in an informal setting close to nature. In keeping with this aim, accommodation will be arranged at or very near the venue. We hope to start building and connecting a research community linking evolution with molecular biology in India through this meeting.

Dates: 16th and 17th of December 2023

Venue: Shaheenbagh, Dehradun

Programme: 

16th of December 

9.00 am to 10.00 am: Plenary talk by Helen Alexander, University of Edinburgh

10 am to 10.45 am: TBA

10.45 am to 11.30 am: Nishad Matange, IISER Pune.

11.30 am to 12 pm: Tea break

12 pm to 12. 45 pm: Deepa Agashe, NCBS, Bangalore. 

12.45 pm to 1.30 pm: TBA

1.30 pm to 4.30 pm: Lunch + posters

4.30 pm to 5.15 pm: Jahnavi Joshi, CCMB, Hyderabad.

5.15 pm to 6 pm: Vijay Jayaraman, IISER Trivandrum

17th of December 

9.00 am to 10 am: Plenary talk by Jordi Van Gestel, EMBL, Heidelberg

10 am to 10.45 am: TBA

10.45 am to 11.30 am: Riddhiman Dhar, IIT Kharagpur

11.30 am to 12 pm: Tea break

12 pm to 12. 45 pm: Contributed Talks

12.45 pm to 1.30 pm: Sabari Sankar Thirupathy, IISER Trivandrum

1.30 pm to 4.30 pm: Lunch + posters

4.40 pm to 5.15 pm: Krishna Swamy, Ahmedabad University

5.15 pm to 6 pm: Imroze Khan, Ashoka University, Sonepat.

7 pm onwards: Conference dinner

Registration information: 

Registration deadline: 31st of August, 2023

We welcome students, postdocs and research fellows interested in attending! Please submit your abstracts through the webpage. We have limited (25) slots for short talks and posters, and can provide food and accommodation as well as a fixed amount of travel funding (Second class train fare from the institute where you work to Dehradun or 10,000 Rs. whichever one is lower). We will also provide pick-ups and drops to and from Dehradun airport and railway station. Please note that presentation is mandatory for attending the conference in person. For those who want to listen to the talks without presenting, we request that you join virtually. The meeting is hybrid and the details of virtual participation will be available closer to the event. 

Contact Emails: 

shraddha.karve@ashoka.edu.in; laasya.samhita@ashoka.edu.in