Exploring Biological Processes Through the Interplay of Molecular Mechanisms and History

Evolution shapes the molecular mechanisms underlying life, while the same molecular mechanisms concurrently shape the potential outcomes of evolution. What are the principles that dictate the interplay of molecular and evolutionary processes? This GRS will bring together early career researchers who study the mechanisms underlying evolutionary change to address this question and continue the ongoing synthesis between molecular and evolutionary biology. Scientists who use theoretical and computational models of evolution, comparative genomics across the tree of life, laboratory experimental evolution, and molecular techniques to study the process and outcomes of evolution in natural populations will all make an impactful contribution to this conference. The 21st century challenges we face in advancing our understanding of basic and applied sciences - cancer, antimicrobial resistance, and biological responses to global environmental change - require interdisciplinary approaches. This seminar will facilitate the intellectual and integrative discourse necessary to develop such approaches and, in turn, address such challenges.