Workshops and Special Events
Virtual Workshops & Networking Opportunities
Virtual Workshops will be held the day prior to the virtual conference (May 20th) and during breaks on the main virtual conference days (May 21-22). Sign up links for virtual workshops (if required) will be sent approximately 3 weeks prior to the virtual conference by email.
Workshop: Navigating Scientific Publishing - International Focus (May 20 - Times 11 AM & 9 PM EDT)
Organizers: Michael Dawson
Length of workshop: 3.5 - 4 hours
Description: Current changes in scientific publishing are among the most radical in >350 years and the range of publishing options expanding. Publisher-owned journals often dominate and increasing Article Processing Charges and surging Open Access threaten to leave authors and institutions with few affordable options. These changes particularly penalize early career researchers who are more dependent on high profile – typically more expensive – journals for establishing careers. This online workshop will discuss strategies for navigating the increasingly complicated publishing landscape, and for being successful. Activities will seek opportunities for input on these and other options from participating researchers about their concerns and how they would like scientific publishing to evolve to better support them in the future.
Length of workshop: 3.5 - 4 hours
Description: Current changes in scientific publishing are among the most radical in >350 years and the range of publishing options expanding. Publisher-owned journals often dominate and increasing Article Processing Charges and surging Open Access threaten to leave authors and institutions with few affordable options. These changes particularly penalize early career researchers who are more dependent on high profile – typically more expensive – journals for establishing careers. This online workshop will discuss strategies for navigating the increasingly complicated publishing landscape, and for being successful. Activities will seek opportunities for input on these and other options from participating researchers about their concerns and how they would like scientific publishing to evolve to better support them in the future.
NSF BIO/DEB Information Session (May 20 - Time TBD)
Outline coming soon
Workshop: Diverse Careers Workshop (May 20 - Time TBD)
Organizer: Jennifer Spillane
Description: If you think you might be interested in a career outside of academia, but aren’t entirely sure where to start, join us! In this participatory workshop, we’ll be exploring the huge variety of careers open to you after graduate school and help you narrow down your career options so that you can be sure they reflect your interests, skills, and values.
Description: If you think you might be interested in a career outside of academia, but aren’t entirely sure where to start, join us! In this participatory workshop, we’ll be exploring the huge variety of careers open to you after graduate school and help you narrow down your career options so that you can be sure they reflect your interests, skills, and values.
In-Person & Virtual Workshops/Special Events
In-person Workshops are held on Day 1 of the conference (June 20, 2026), or Days 2-5 during the 2 hour lunch window. Special Events, Meetings, and Mixers are held throughout the 5 days. Note: Some workshops have additional costs and have limited capacity. Sign up for most in-person workshops during main conference registration.
In-Person Opening & Closing Events
OPENING RECEPTION (JUN 20 - Eve)
Evening welcome reception with appetizers.
Come join us to kick off the conference!
Free to attendees.
No registration required.
Cash bar.
Come join us to kick off the conference!
Free to attendees.
No registration required.
Cash bar.
Super Social (Closing Banquet - Jun 24 - Eve)
The Super Social will be held at the Great Lakes Science Center and includes dinner (dinner will be served at the convention center, dessert will be served at the Science Center), socializing spaces, access to all floors and displays of the science center, and a DJ/dancefloor space.
Cash bar.
Additional cost to attend.
Registration required prior to June 1, unless capacity reached before then.
Your entrance ticket is a 'SSocial' mark shown on your nametag at the conference.
The Center is within walking distance of the convention center, so no shuttles are planned. If you have your own car (and are driving there), parking at the GLSC will be free for attendees for the event during the evening.
Cash bar.
Additional cost to attend.
Registration required prior to June 1, unless capacity reached before then.
Your entrance ticket is a 'SSocial' mark shown on your nametag at the conference.
The Center is within walking distance of the convention center, so no shuttles are planned. If you have your own car (and are driving there), parking at the GLSC will be free for attendees for the event during the evening.
In-Person Workshops
Undergraduate Community at Evolution (UCE) Career Development Workshop (Jun 20 - AM)
Time: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
The SSE Undergraduate Diversity at Evolution (UDE) program sends undergraduate students and recent grads to the in-person portion of the meeting. Selected applicants will present a poster, receive mentoring, and participate in a career-oriented Undergraduate Futures in Evolutionary Biology panel and discussion. Awardees will receive free meeting registration, travel, and lodging, a meal stipend, and a ticket to the Super Social. Applicants demonstrating a need for funds to attend and applicants preparing to attend graduate school in ecology, evolutionary biology, or related fields will be given priority.
Lunch included for participants.
Note: This workshop is for UDE awardees (a program sponsored by SSE), however there are a few extra spots available just for the workshop, for interested undergraduates to sign up during registration.
The SSE Undergraduate Diversity at Evolution (UDE) program sends undergraduate students and recent grads to the in-person portion of the meeting. Selected applicants will present a poster, receive mentoring, and participate in a career-oriented Undergraduate Futures in Evolutionary Biology panel and discussion. Awardees will receive free meeting registration, travel, and lodging, a meal stipend, and a ticket to the Super Social. Applicants demonstrating a need for funds to attend and applicants preparing to attend graduate school in ecology, evolutionary biology, or related fields will be given priority.
Lunch included for participants.
Note: This workshop is for UDE awardees (a program sponsored by SSE), however there are a few extra spots available just for the workshop, for interested undergraduates to sign up during registration.
Workshop: Navigating Scientific Publishing - Early Career Focus (Jun 20 - AM)
Organizers: Liz Alter, Mike Dawson, Leticia Ochoa-Ochoa
Description: Current changes in scientific publishing are among the most radical in >350 years and the range of publishing options expanding. Publisher-owned journals often dominate and increasing Article Processing Charges and surging Open Access threaten to leave authors and institutions with few affordable options. These changes particularly penalize early career researchers who are more dependent on high profile – typically more expensive – journals for establishing careers. This in-person workshop will discuss strategies for navigating the increasingly complicated publishing landscape, and for being successful. Activities will seek opportunities for input on these and other options from participating early career researchers about their concerns and how they would like scientific publishing to evolve to better support them in the future.
Audience: Early Career Researchers
Description: Current changes in scientific publishing are among the most radical in >350 years and the range of publishing options expanding. Publisher-owned journals often dominate and increasing Article Processing Charges and surging Open Access threaten to leave authors and institutions with few affordable options. These changes particularly penalize early career researchers who are more dependent on high profile – typically more expensive – journals for establishing careers. This in-person workshop will discuss strategies for navigating the increasingly complicated publishing landscape, and for being successful. Activities will seek opportunities for input on these and other options from participating early career researchers about their concerns and how they would like scientific publishing to evolve to better support them in the future.
Audience: Early Career Researchers
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Communicating Science (including Controversial Science) to Diverse Audiences (Jun 20 - PM)
Sure, your research is the most exciting and important science out there! But to have an impact, it must be communicated in ways that enable people to understand and compel them to care. This workshop will combine empirical evidence gained from science communication research with fun, engaging activities to provide you with strategies and approaches to help you communicate your work effectively to diverse audiences. It will also explore specific strategies for communicating “controversial” science in non-controversial, non-confrontational ways.
Organizer: Dr. Jory Weintraub (Director of Science Engagement and Prof. of Communication, North Carolina State University). Jory directs university-wide science outreach activities, teaches science communication at NC State University, and runs science communication workshops for students, postdocs and faculty at institutions around the country. Previously he spent over 10 years leading the public outreach and education efforts at the NSF-funded National Evolutionary Synthesis Center.
If you have questions about this workshop, please feel free to contact Dr. Weintraub at [email protected].
Organizer: Dr. Jory Weintraub (Director of Science Engagement and Prof. of Communication, North Carolina State University). Jory directs university-wide science outreach activities, teaches science communication at NC State University, and runs science communication workshops for students, postdocs and faculty at institutions around the country. Previously he spent over 10 years leading the public outreach and education efforts at the NSF-funded National Evolutionary Synthesis Center.
If you have questions about this workshop, please feel free to contact Dr. Weintraub at [email protected].
NSF Proposal Writing Workshop (Jun 20 - PM)
Diverse Careers Workshop - Leveraging your PhD: Careers in and out of Academia (Jun 20 - PM)
Organizer: Jennifer Spillane
This active and participatory workshop will guide graduate students and postdocs in exploring and planning their careers after graduate school or postdoctoral training. Through presentations and small group activities, you will learn about the many potential career avenues open to those trained in evolutionary biology and ecology. You’ll also learn the basics of building a professional network, how to identify the transferable skills you developed during your training, and have the opportunity to ask questions of biology PhDs who hold non-tenure-track jobs.
Join us after the workshop for an informal networking event!
(Pre-registration required).
This active and participatory workshop will guide graduate students and postdocs in exploring and planning their careers after graduate school or postdoctoral training. Through presentations and small group activities, you will learn about the many potential career avenues open to those trained in evolutionary biology and ecology. You’ll also learn the basics of building a professional network, how to identify the transferable skills you developed during your training, and have the opportunity to ask questions of biology PhDs who hold non-tenure-track jobs.
Join us after the workshop for an informal networking event!
(Pre-registration required).
Workshop (TBD - PM)
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NSF Big-Ideas Listening Session (TBD - Lunchtime)
NSF/BIO/DEB information session (TBD - Lunchtime)
Workshop
Workshop: Public Policy Session (TBD - lunchtime)
Organizers: SSE Public Policy Committee
Description: Join us for an engaging and interactive Public Policy Workshop where participants will learn how to contact their elected officials, discuss strategies for communicating science to policymakers, and explore key topics in science advocacy. This workshop is designed to empower scientists at all career stages to make their voices heard to policy makers at all levels.
Additional details:
If you have any questions about this workshop, please contact SSE Public Policy Committee Chair Dr. Matthew Rubin at [email protected]
Description: Join us for an engaging and interactive Public Policy Workshop where participants will learn how to contact their elected officials, discuss strategies for communicating science to policymakers, and explore key topics in science advocacy. This workshop is designed to empower scientists at all career stages to make their voices heard to policy makers at all levels.
Additional details:
- Cost: $10.00
- Lunch is provided.
- Max capacity: 50
- Pre-registration is required. Sign up during meeting registration.
If you have any questions about this workshop, please contact SSE Public Policy Committee Chair Dr. Matthew Rubin at [email protected]
In-Person Mixers, Networking & Special Events
International Mixer (JUn 20 - Eve)
The international mixer is an opportunity for members from outside the US to connect, share experiences, and socialize. In this mixer we will have breakout rooms designed for 1) folks that are looking for tips and advice on how to pursue an academic career in the US, 2) folks looking to study evolution internationally (US-based attendees are welcome!), and 3) folks looking to connect with other International evolutionary biologists in and outside the USA. We are looking forward to hearing dozens of different accents!
FLying Solo Coffee Mixer (JUn 21 - AM)
The SSE Graduate Student Advisory Council is organizing a coffee break for people who are attending the Evolution meeting without their lab group or advisor. The event is intended to provide networking for people who are "flying solo" at this year's meeting. You can indicate your interest in participating during main conference registration.
LGBTQIA+ Coffee Mixer (JUn 21 - PM)
Join us for a casual coffee-mixer for LGBTQIA+ evolutionary biologists and their allies! This is an opportunity to meet folks in the field, network across career stages, and discuss issues that the LGBTQIA+ community faces in evolutionary biology (and academia more broadly), as well as advice and success stories. All are welcome!
AmphibiaWeb Mixer (June 21 - Eve)
AmphibiaWeb (amphibiaweb.org) will host a meet-up for all amphibian enthusiasts (and their friends), with a special invitation to our new and old contributors. Come meet the AmphibiaWeb team, win amphibian-themed prizes, learn more about AmphibiaWeb, and play some games to connect with other amphibian enthusiasts. Space will be made available for the first 60 people to arrive.
Science in Solidarity: Responding to a shifting landscape of funding, DEI, and the future (Jun 21 - Eve)
Organizers: Joint DEI Committees of ASN/SSB/SSE
This event is a chance for the science community to come together to discuss changes from the current United States government’s executive orders and federal funding cuts that are attacking DEI and science. Prompts for discussion in small groups will focus on ideas for strategies to counter authoritarian and anti-science movements, explore alternative funding sources, further diversity, equity, and inclusion, and persist as individuals and collectively. Our goal is to create solidarity and actionable plans so that our members can move forward despite these challenging times.
Pre-registration NOT required.
This event is a chance for the science community to come together to discuss changes from the current United States government’s executive orders and federal funding cuts that are attacking DEI and science. Prompts for discussion in small groups will focus on ideas for strategies to counter authoritarian and anti-science movements, explore alternative funding sources, further diversity, equity, and inclusion, and persist as individuals and collectively. Our goal is to create solidarity and actionable plans so that our members can move forward despite these challenging times.
Pre-registration NOT required.
Black at Evolution Lunch Networking (Jun 21 - LunchTime)
Join the Black at Evolution networking lunch to get to know other black researchers in Evolutionary Biology across all career stages. African Americans are estimated to comprise less than 1% of evolutionary biologists. This can make it difficult for researchers at different career stages to find peers or mentors who share their racial identity. Through this NEW networking lunch, we hope to connect black scholars across career stages to increase connectedness for trainees, early career researchers, and established PIs.
Interested participants will be contacted in advance of the conference for follow up/interests. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Jordan Lewis ([email protected])
Interested participants will be contacted in advance of the conference for follow up/interests. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Jordan Lewis ([email protected])
PUI Mixer (JUn 22 - AM)
Networking mixer for attendees from Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUI's).
ASN Grad Mixer (JUn 22 - Lunchtime)
Latines in Evolution Mixer (JUn 22 - PM)
Neurodivergent Mixer (June 23 - AM)
Networking mixer for neurodivergent people and their allies to develop a sense of community. Members of the SSE diversity committee will be present and open to receiving feedback regarding the meeting to help improve accessibility at future Evolution conferences. Snacks/tea/coffee will be provided.
Postdoc Networking Lunch (Jun 23 - Lunchtime)
The SSE Graduate Student Advisory Council is organizing small group networking lunches to facilitate interactions among postdocs. Those who indicate interest below will be contacted in late May to fill out a survey about their research interests in order to set up groups. Groups will be responsible for finding their own lunch venues.
Student-Faculty Networking Lunch (Jun 23 - Lunchtime)
The SSE Graduate Student Advisory Council is organizing small group networking lunches to facilitate interactions between students and faculty. You can indicate your interest in participating during main conference registration, and we will send out surveys to match students with faculty in late May. Groups will be responsible for finding their own lunch venues and will be capped at 5 students per faculty member, so student attendance may be limited to a first-come, first-serve basis once the surveys go out.
John Edmonstone Coffee Social for BIPOC scientists and allies (Jun 23 - PM)
This event is named after John Edmonstone, who was born into slavery in British Guiana and eventually taught and influenced a young Charles Darwin. Edmonstone's life highlights that people of color have been present--if invisible--in the development of evolutionary biology from the beginning. This mixer is an opportunity for people of color and their allies across all career stages in evolutionary biology to interact. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet, discuss their work, share experiences, establish mentor-mentee connections, and build on constructive ways to make evolutionary biology a more inclusive community.
Disabilities Mixer (Jun 23 - PM)
Interested in meeting fellow evolutionary biologists with disabilities/chronic illnesses/Deaf folks and interested allies? Want to discuss increasing the inclusion and representation of disabled/chronically ill/Deaf students and staff in our diverse field? This is an informal chance to meet others interested in these topics, share experiences of disability in evolutionary biology, and hopefully increase our inclusion around issues of disability as a community. Anyone at any career stage and level of ability (including allies) are welcome to come join.
UDE Coffee Social (June 24 - AM)
Social for UDE Program participants.
Postdoc Fellowship Lunch (Jun 24 - Lunchtime)
Are you a late-stage graduate student or postdoc thinking about applying for postdoc fellowships (for example, NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology, NIH F32, Fulbright Scholarship, Marie Curie Fellowship, etc.) or a postdoc interested in sharing your experience with the application process? The SSE Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) will be coordinating lunches between interested postdocs and graduate students. Groups will meet for lunch at a restaurant of their choice near the convention center (note that cost will be covered by attendees). Please reach out to Shirley Zhang ([email protected]) with any questions.
LGBTQIA+ Networking Lunch (Jun 24 - Lunchtime)
We invite LGBTQIA+ identified individuals to join us for a small-group lunch. This is a unique opportunity to network with other LGBTQIA+ individuals, advise across career stages, and bond over shared experiences. Each group will be small (4-5 individuals) and will contain a diversity of folks, including across career stages. Lunch will take place off conference campus, with each group deciding on a venue. Please note that each participant is responsible for covering the costs of their own meal.
Fieldwork Mixer (Jun 24 - PM)
The SSE Graduate Student Advisory Council has organized a fieldwork mixer for people attending Evolution 2025. The event is intended to provide networking for people performing or who plan to perform fieldwork to share experiences, advice, and initiatives. Let's gather together to share our tales from the field and advocate for more equitable, inclusive, and diverse field research experiences.
Editorial Meetings, Council Meetings & Member Forums
council & Committee meetings
Society Councils
Open to council members only.
Joint Council (ASN/SSB/SSE)
Open to Joint council members only.
Open to council members only.
- ASN entrance meeting - June 20, 2025 (1:00 - 5:00 pm)
- ASN exit meeting - June 24, 2025 (12:35 pm - 2:25 pm)
- SSB entrance meeting - June 20, 2025 (1:00 - 5:00 pm)
- SSB exit meeting - June 24, 2025 (12:35 pm - 2:25 pm)
- SSE entrance meeting - June 20, 2025 (1:00 - 5:00 pm)
- SSE exit meeting - June 24, 2025 (12:35 pm - 2:25 pm)
Joint Council (ASN/SSB/SSE)
Open to Joint council members only.
- Entrance meeting - June 20, 2025 (8:30 am - 1:00 pm)
- Exit meeting - June 23, 2025 (12:30 pm - 2:25 pm)
editorial board meetings
Evolution Letters - TBD
Systematic Biology - TBD
The American Naturalist - TBD
Evolution - TBD
Systematic Biology - TBD
The American Naturalist - TBD
Evolution - TBD
Society Member Meetings/Forums
Open to all members of the respective societies.
Preregistration not required. Lunch not included.
Preregistration not required. Lunch not included.
- SSE Members Open Forum - June 21, 2025 (1:30 - 2:25 pm)
- ASN Members Open Forum - June 21, 2025 (1:30 - 2:25 pm)
- SSB Members Open Forum - June 21, 2025 (1:30 - 2:25 pm)
External events
If you are hosting an event in Cleveland that is related to the conference, but not officially connected, you can ask for it to be listed here (e.g. a workshop happening in town before or after the conference). Contact [email protected] with any questions.