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 to registered attendees.
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.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate of Biology Information Session (May 20 - Time TBD)
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: TBD
The National Science Foundation funds basic research in evolutionary biology and systematics, training of the next generation of evolutionary biologists, and broader impacts extending the reach of evolutionary research to benefit society. However, newer (and even experienced) scientists can find NSF’s numerous programs, detailed guidance, and merit review process to be a difficult landscape to navigate. In this informational session, NSF program officers will discuss new and ongoing programs and the merit review process (including Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts), followed by an open-ended question and answer session. Breakout rooms will be available to discuss specific topics with program officers.
Registration is appreciated to ensure we have program directors to answer questions, but not mandatory.
Time: TBD
The National Science Foundation funds basic research in evolutionary biology and systematics, training of the next generation of evolutionary biologists, and broader impacts extending the reach of evolutionary research to benefit society. However, newer (and even experienced) scientists can find NSF’s numerous programs, detailed guidance, and merit review process to be a difficult landscape to navigate. In this informational session, NSF program officers will discuss new and ongoing programs and the merit review process (including Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts), followed by an open-ended question and answer session. Breakout rooms will be available to discuss specific topics with program officers.
Registration is appreciated to ensure we have program directors to answer questions, but not mandatory.
Workshop: Diverse Careers Workshop for Students & Postdocs (May 20 - 9 AM)
Diverse Careers Workshop - Which career is right for you?
Organizer: Jennifer Spillane
Description:
If you’ve ever felt unsure about which career path is right for you, come join us! In this workshop we’ll explore how to find the work that most energizes you, whether you’re drawn to fieldwork, data analysis, teaching, communication, or something else entirely. Through guided reflection and practical exercises, you’ll explore your core values and learn how to find fulfilling work that aligns with both your skills and what matters most to you.
Organizer: Jennifer Spillane
Description:
If you’ve ever felt unsure about which career path is right for you, come join us! In this workshop we’ll explore how to find the work that most energizes you, whether you’re drawn to fieldwork, data analysis, teaching, communication, or something else entirely. Through guided reflection and practical exercises, you’ll explore your core values and learn how to find fulfilling work that aligns with both your skills and what matters most to you.
How Can Scientists Inform and Shape Public Policy? A Panel Discussion (May 20 - Time 3 PM)
Description:
Evolutionary biology provides essential insights into some of today’s most urgent policy challenges, including biodiversity loss, emerging infectious diseases, climate adaptation, fisheries management, and science education. But how can evolutionary biologists ensure that their research meaningfully informs public policy? What does effective engagement at the science-policy interface actually look like?
This panel brings together scientists with direct experience in policy advising, science communication, and public engagement to discuss practical pathways for involvement. Panelists will share lessons from their own careers, highlight opportunities for scientists at different stages, and explore how evolutionary perspectives can contribute to evidence-based decision-making. The discussion will offer concrete strategies and inspiration for those interested in extending the impact of their work beyond academia.
Evolutionary biology provides essential insights into some of today’s most urgent policy challenges, including biodiversity loss, emerging infectious diseases, climate adaptation, fisheries management, and science education. But how can evolutionary biologists ensure that their research meaningfully informs public policy? What does effective engagement at the science-policy interface actually look like?
This panel brings together scientists with direct experience in policy advising, science communication, and public engagement to discuss practical pathways for involvement. Panelists will share lessons from their own careers, highlight opportunities for scientists at different stages, and explore how evolutionary perspectives can contribute to evidence-based decision-making. The discussion will offer concrete strategies and inspiration for those interested in extending the impact of their work beyond academia.
Workshop: Diverse Careers Workshop for PIS (May 21 - Time 12:30-1:30 pm)
Six things you can do to support your career-curious graduate student
Organizer: Jennifer Spillane
Description:
Want to support your graduate students interested in careers beyond academia, but not sure where to start? Many advisors want to help students explore the full range of possibilities their degrees prepare them for, but are unsure how to give guidance when their own experiences have been mainly in academia. This workshop will give you practical, actionable strategies to expand your advising toolkit and become a more effective mentor for students interested in (or even just curious about) non-academic careers.
Organizer: Jennifer Spillane
Description:
Want to support your graduate students interested in careers beyond academia, but not sure where to start? Many advisors want to help students explore the full range of possibilities their degrees prepare them for, but are unsure how to give guidance when their own experiences have been mainly in academia. This workshop will give you practical, actionable strategies to expand your advising toolkit and become a more effective mentor for students interested in (or even just curious about) non-academic careers.
In-Person 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 in-person workshops can be done during main conference registration.
In-Person Welcome Reception, Poster Sessions, and Closing Banquet
OPENING RECEPTION (JUN 20 - Eve)
Evening welcome reception with appetizers following the Gould Plenary.
Come join us to kick off the conference!
Free to attendees.
No registration required.
Cash bar plus apetizers.
Come join us to kick off the conference!
Free to attendees.
No registration required.
Cash bar plus apetizers.
Poster Session 1 (Jun 21 - Eve)
Poster presentations, cash bar and appetizers.
Poster Session 2 (Jun 23 - Eve)
Poster presentations, cash bar and appetizers.
Super Social (Closing Banquet - Jun 24 - Eve)
The Super Social will be held at the Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) and includes dinner (NOTE: 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 Community at Evolution (UCE) 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 UCE 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 Community at Evolution (UCE) 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 UCE 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.
Navigating Scientific Publishing - publishing as a new(ish) author (Jun 20 - AM)
Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fee: $10 per person
Organizer: Mike Dawson
Additional participants:
Associate and chief editors from a range of journals publishing evolutionary research, and journal managers will participate in the panel sessions, help facilitate active learning exercises, and be available for Q&A.
Description:
Current changes in scientific publishing are among the most radical in >350 years and the range of publishing options is expanding. Publisher-owned journals often dominate and increasing Article Processing Charges coupled with the continued expansion of fully Open Access threaten to leave authors and institutions with few affordable options. These changes increase inequity among more- versus less-wealthy researchers, institutions, and countries. This workshop will discuss strategies for successfully navigating the increasingly complicated publishing landscape from the point of view of different roles: author, reviewer, and editor. It will also focus on strategies for supporting a more sustainable and community-oriented publishing infrastructure. Activities will seek input from participants on these issues — and others raised during the workshop based on their concerns, experiences, and aspirations for how they would like scientific publishing to change — to better support them in the future. The workshop will be delivered in two sessions. Each session has three ~1hr segments: first a range of panelists respond to questions from the ECR participants, second the ECRs work in groups to identify their concerns and priorities, third the organizers give a thematic presentation oriented toward the issues raised by the ECRs. Each session will wrap up with an open discussion of any remaining issues of interest.
The first session, during the morning, will be oriented primarily to earlier-stage Early Career Researchers who have few or no publications (typically graduate students); the goals will be to describe journal options (including covering the different ownership, publication, and funding models), explain all stages of the publication process, share tips for getting a manuscript accepted, and getting your work noticed. The focus of the session is on navigating the journal publication process rather than on manuscript writing itself.
This session is open for sign-up independently or can be combined with the afternoon session.
Audience: Early Career Researchers, but open to all
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fee: $10 per person
Organizer: Mike Dawson
Additional participants:
Associate and chief editors from a range of journals publishing evolutionary research, and journal managers will participate in the panel sessions, help facilitate active learning exercises, and be available for Q&A.
Description:
Current changes in scientific publishing are among the most radical in >350 years and the range of publishing options is expanding. Publisher-owned journals often dominate and increasing Article Processing Charges coupled with the continued expansion of fully Open Access threaten to leave authors and institutions with few affordable options. These changes increase inequity among more- versus less-wealthy researchers, institutions, and countries. This workshop will discuss strategies for successfully navigating the increasingly complicated publishing landscape from the point of view of different roles: author, reviewer, and editor. It will also focus on strategies for supporting a more sustainable and community-oriented publishing infrastructure. Activities will seek input from participants on these issues — and others raised during the workshop based on their concerns, experiences, and aspirations for how they would like scientific publishing to change — to better support them in the future. The workshop will be delivered in two sessions. Each session has three ~1hr segments: first a range of panelists respond to questions from the ECR participants, second the ECRs work in groups to identify their concerns and priorities, third the organizers give a thematic presentation oriented toward the issues raised by the ECRs. Each session will wrap up with an open discussion of any remaining issues of interest.
The first session, during the morning, will be oriented primarily to earlier-stage Early Career Researchers who have few or no publications (typically graduate students); the goals will be to describe journal options (including covering the different ownership, publication, and funding models), explain all stages of the publication process, share tips for getting a manuscript accepted, and getting your work noticed. The focus of the session is on navigating the journal publication process rather than on manuscript writing itself.
This session is open for sign-up independently or can be combined with the afternoon session.
Audience: Early Career Researchers, but open to all
Storytelling (Jun 20 - AM)
Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: Free
Max Capacity: 25 people
Facilitator: Martha Burford Reiskind
Description:
The Storytelling Workshop is an interactive, hands-on experience designed to help participants develop their personal stories in a compelling and structured way. This 2.5-hour session will guide attendees through the core elements of storytelling, providing tools and techniques for crafting a narrative that engages and resonates with an audience.
Target Audience: Conference attendees looking to improve their personal storytelling skills.
Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: Free
Max Capacity: 25 people
Facilitator: Martha Burford Reiskind
Description:
The Storytelling Workshop is an interactive, hands-on experience designed to help participants develop their personal stories in a compelling and structured way. This 2.5-hour session will guide attendees through the core elements of storytelling, providing tools and techniques for crafting a narrative that engages and resonates with an audience.
Target Audience: Conference attendees looking to improve their personal storytelling skills.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate of Biology Information Session (Jun 20 - AM)
Date: June 20
Time: 10:00-12:30 pm
Organizer: NSF/April Wright
The National Science Foundation funds basic research in evolutionary biology and systematics, training of the next generation of evolutionary biologists, and broader impacts extending the reach of evolutionary research to benefit society. However, newer (and even experienced) scientists can find NSF’s numerous programs, detailed guidance, and merit review process to be a difficult landscape to navigate. In this informational session NSF program officers will discuss new and ongoing programs and the merit review process (including Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts), followed by an open-ended question and answer session.
Registration is appreciated to ensure we have program directors to answer questions, but not mandatory.
Time: 10:00-12:30 pm
Organizer: NSF/April Wright
The National Science Foundation funds basic research in evolutionary biology and systematics, training of the next generation of evolutionary biologists, and broader impacts extending the reach of evolutionary research to benefit society. However, newer (and even experienced) scientists can find NSF’s numerous programs, detailed guidance, and merit review process to be a difficult landscape to navigate. In this informational session NSF program officers will discuss new and ongoing programs and the merit review process (including Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts), followed by an open-ended question and answer session.
Registration is appreciated to ensure we have program directors to answer questions, but not mandatory.
Writing effective science op-eds (Jun 20 - 9 AM - 4 pm)
Organizer: Society for the Study of Evolution Public Policy Committee
Description: Hosted by the Society for the Study of Evolution Public Policy Committee, this full day, hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of writing an op-ed that communicates scientific ideas to a broad public audience. Participants will learn strategies for framing scientific evidence for diverse readers and structuring compelling opinion pieces suitable for news outlets.
Throughout the day, participants will develop and draft an op-ed on a science topic of their choosing. The workshop will include presentations by facilitators, writing time, small group discussions, and opportunities to receive feedback from fellow participants and workshop facilitators. By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with a strong draft and clear next steps for revising and submitting their piece for publication.
Participants should bring a laptop computer for writing activities.
Questions can be sent to Matthew Rubin, Public Policy Chair ([email protected]).
Cost: $75, including lunch
Limited to 24 participants
Description: Hosted by the Society for the Study of Evolution Public Policy Committee, this full day, hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of writing an op-ed that communicates scientific ideas to a broad public audience. Participants will learn strategies for framing scientific evidence for diverse readers and structuring compelling opinion pieces suitable for news outlets.
Throughout the day, participants will develop and draft an op-ed on a science topic of their choosing. The workshop will include presentations by facilitators, writing time, small group discussions, and opportunities to receive feedback from fellow participants and workshop facilitators. By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with a strong draft and clear next steps for revising and submitting their piece for publication.
Participants should bring a laptop computer for writing activities.
Questions can be sent to Matthew Rubin, Public Policy Chair ([email protected]).
Cost: $75, including lunch
Limited to 24 participants
Navigating Scientific Publishing - Effective reviewing and editing (Jun 20 - PM)
Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person
Organizer: Michael Dawson
Additional participants: Associate and chief editors from a range of journals publishing evolutionary research, and journal managers will participate in the panel sessions, help facilitate active learning exercises, and be available for Q&A.
Description:
Current changes in scientific publishing are among the most radical in >350 years and the range of publishing options is expanding. Publisher-owned journals often dominate and increasing Article Processing Charges coupled with the continued expansion of fully Open Access threaten to leave authors and institutions with few affordable options. These changes increase inequity among more- versus less-wealthy researchers, institutions, and countries. This workshop will discuss strategies for successfully navigating the increasingly complicated publishing landscape from the point of view of different roles: author, reviewer, and editor. It will also focus on strategies for supporting a more sustainable and community-oriented publishing infrastructure. Activities will seek input from participants on these issues — and others raised during the workshop based on their concerns, experiences, and aspirations for how they would like scientific publishing to change — to better support them in the future. The workshop will be delivered in two sessions. Each session has three ~1hr segments: first a range of panelists respond to questions from the ECR participants, second the ECRs work in groups to identify their concerns and priorities, third the organizers give a thematic presentation oriented toward the issues raised by the ECRs. Each session will wrap up with an open discussion of any remaining issues of interest.
The second session, during the afternoon, will be oriented to later-stage Early Career Researchers (primarily recent graduates and postdocs) who are interested in reviewing and editing; the goals include strategies to contribute positively to peer review, how to support an ethical publishing environment (including covering different ownership, publication, and funding models), and how to become associate editors.
This workshop can be taken independently, or combined with Part 1.
Target audience: Later-stage Early Career Researchers (primarily recent graduates and postdocs) but all are welcome.
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person
Organizer: Michael Dawson
Additional participants: Associate and chief editors from a range of journals publishing evolutionary research, and journal managers will participate in the panel sessions, help facilitate active learning exercises, and be available for Q&A.
Description:
Current changes in scientific publishing are among the most radical in >350 years and the range of publishing options is expanding. Publisher-owned journals often dominate and increasing Article Processing Charges coupled with the continued expansion of fully Open Access threaten to leave authors and institutions with few affordable options. These changes increase inequity among more- versus less-wealthy researchers, institutions, and countries. This workshop will discuss strategies for successfully navigating the increasingly complicated publishing landscape from the point of view of different roles: author, reviewer, and editor. It will also focus on strategies for supporting a more sustainable and community-oriented publishing infrastructure. Activities will seek input from participants on these issues — and others raised during the workshop based on their concerns, experiences, and aspirations for how they would like scientific publishing to change — to better support them in the future. The workshop will be delivered in two sessions. Each session has three ~1hr segments: first a range of panelists respond to questions from the ECR participants, second the ECRs work in groups to identify their concerns and priorities, third the organizers give a thematic presentation oriented toward the issues raised by the ECRs. Each session will wrap up with an open discussion of any remaining issues of interest.
The second session, during the afternoon, will be oriented to later-stage Early Career Researchers (primarily recent graduates and postdocs) who are interested in reviewing and editing; the goals include strategies to contribute positively to peer review, how to support an ethical publishing environment (including covering different ownership, publication, and funding models), and how to become associate editors.
This workshop can be taken independently, or combined with Part 1.
Target audience: Later-stage Early Career Researchers (primarily recent graduates and postdocs) but all are welcome.
Diverse Careers Workshop - Leveraging your degree for careers outside academia (Jun 20 - PM)
Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person
Max capacity: 100 people
Organizer: Jennifer Spillman
Description:
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).
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person
Max capacity: 100 people
Organizer: Jennifer Spillman
Description:
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).
Designing for Discovery: Shaping Imageomics Tools for Biologists
Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person
Max capacity: 70 people
Cost: $10
Organizers: Diane Boghrat (lead contact: [email protected]), Dr. Elizabeth Campolongo, Dr. Wei-Lun Chao, Dr. Jianyang Gu, Dr. Brittany Fonner, Dr. Hilmar Lapp, Dr. Sydne Record, Dr. Matthew Thompson, Dr. Josef Uyeda, Dr. Net Zhang
Description:
Imageomics is an emerging interdisciplinary field at the crossroads of machine learning (ML), computer vision (CV), and biological sciences. It leverages visual data–from microscopic images of unicellular organisms to videos of megafauna–to extract and analyze biological traits. By grounding ML models in existing scientific knowledge, the emerging field of imageomics aims to make traits computable from images and videos, facilitating insights into the evolution and function of living organisms. This half-day workshop focuses on making imageomics tools more accessible and usable for biologists and will be centered on co-development, where tool refinement and new use cases emerge through active partnership with biologists. During the workshop, selected Imageomics Institute tools for taxonomic identification and trait segmentation, exploration, and classification will be demonstrated. We will highlight the potential applications of these tools toward facilitating the measurement of evolutionary traits for biodiversity science, systematics, and evolutionary biology, as well as the measurement of complex traits such as behaviors from videos.
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person
Max capacity: 70 people
Cost: $10
Organizers: Diane Boghrat (lead contact: [email protected]), Dr. Elizabeth Campolongo, Dr. Wei-Lun Chao, Dr. Jianyang Gu, Dr. Brittany Fonner, Dr. Hilmar Lapp, Dr. Sydne Record, Dr. Matthew Thompson, Dr. Josef Uyeda, Dr. Net Zhang
Description:
Imageomics is an emerging interdisciplinary field at the crossroads of machine learning (ML), computer vision (CV), and biological sciences. It leverages visual data–from microscopic images of unicellular organisms to videos of megafauna–to extract and analyze biological traits. By grounding ML models in existing scientific knowledge, the emerging field of imageomics aims to make traits computable from images and videos, facilitating insights into the evolution and function of living organisms. This half-day workshop focuses on making imageomics tools more accessible and usable for biologists and will be centered on co-development, where tool refinement and new use cases emerge through active partnership with biologists. During the workshop, selected Imageomics Institute tools for taxonomic identification and trait segmentation, exploration, and classification will be demonstrated. We will highlight the potential applications of these tools toward facilitating the measurement of evolutionary traits for biodiversity science, systematics, and evolutionary biology, as well as the measurement of complex traits such as behaviors from videos.
In-Person Mixers, Networking & Special Events
International Mixer (Date TBD)
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.
Postdoc Fellowship Lunch (JUn 21 - 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+ 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!
Neurodivergent Mixer (Jun 22 - 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 22 - 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.
Faculty-Student Networking Lunch (JUn 22 - 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 22 - 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.
Support Social Mixer (JUn 22 - Eve)
Fieldwork Mixer (June 23 - AM)
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.
LGBTQIA+ Networking Lunch (Jun 23 - 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.
Black at Evolution Networking Lunch (Jun 23 - 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]).
ASN Grad Mixer (Jun 23 - Lunchtime)
Description coming soon
Latines in Evolution Mixer (Jun 23 - PM)
Asians in Evolution Mixer (Jun 23 - pm)
The SSE Graduate Student Advisory Council is organizing the Asians in Evolution Mixer during the in-person Evolution meeting. The mixer is intended to build connections among Asian evolutionary biologists, and feature the vastness and diversity of study systems across Asia. The mixer is open to everyone (students, postdocs, and faculty members) and intended to provide opportunities for attendees to network and explore the evolutionary biology studies happening in Asia. Please reach out to Rujuta Vaidya ([email protected]) with any questions.
Disabilities Mixer (Jun 24 - am)
UDE Coffee Social (June 24 - AM)
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.
PUI Mixer (Jun 24 - PM)
Networking mixer for attendees from Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUI's).
SSB Early Career Mixer (Jun 24 - PM)
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 - none scheduled
Systematic Biology - June 22, 2026 (lunchtime)
The American Naturalist - June 22, 2026 (lunchtime)
Evolution - June 23, 2026 (lunchtime)
Systematic Biology - June 22, 2026 (lunchtime)
The American Naturalist - June 22, 2026 (lunchtime)
Evolution - June 23, 2026 (lunchtime)
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.