Museum Biodiversity Genomics Symposium

Biodiversity research is experiencing a thrilling transformation thanks to genomics. For the first time, we can peer into the very origins of Biodiversity, uncovering the intricate processes that shape and sustain it. Genomics is revolutionizing the way we discover, describe, and understand biodiversity—not just at the level of species but in the delicate relationships that weave ecosystems together. Yet, this power extends beyond discovery; it is a call to action. By revealing the evolutionary forces that generate and maintain biodiversity, genomics provides an unprecedented resolution of population dynamics, phylogeny, and adaptation. This knowledge is essential to make informed conservation decisions. 

In this event, we bring together leading international experts to explore the diverse applications of genomics in biodiversity research. Through their work, they will showcase the possibilities of various genomic approaches, highlighting the questions they can address, their potentialities and limitations, as well as important practical considerations.

We hope this event serves as an inspiring moment for biodiversity researchers, fostering the application of these techniques locally, as well as opening new research frontiers.

 

SPEAKERS AND TOPICS

 

Comparative Genomics

Dr. Iliana Bista. Seckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Germany

Museomics

Dr. Mozes Blom. Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany.

Species interactions and immunology

Dr. Eric Dexter. University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

Conservation Genomics

Dr. José Antonio Godoy. Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.

Metagenomics and metabarcoding

Dr. Mahwash Jamy. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

Phylogenomics, systematics and taxonomy 

Dr. Lisa Pokorny, Royal Botanical Garden (RJB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain  

Speciation genomics

Dr. Hannes Svardal. University of Antwerp, Belgium. 

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

 

Date: September 15th, 2025

Location: Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

Schedule

09:00-09:15 Welcome
09:15-10:05 Phylogenomics, systematics, and taxonomy
10:05-10:55 Speciation genomics
11:00-11.25 Coffee Break
11:30-12:20 Museomics
12:20-13:10 Metagenomics and metabarcoding
13:15-14:30 Lunch break
14:30-15:20 Conservation Genomics
15:20-16:10 Comparative Genomics
16:10:17:00 Species interactions and immunology
17:00-19:00 Drinks and mingle

Coffee, lunch breaks and post-symposium drinks are included with the registration.

 

Registration: Open until September 1st, 2025

Registration will be on a first-come first-served basis until the in-person capacity of 100 attendees is reached. The event will also be streamed online through the YouTube channel of the National Museum of Natural Science for those who wish to join remotely (no registration required).

For in-person attendance register here: https://museumbiodiversitygenomics.eventbrite.es

This event is funded by CSIC’s Conexión Genoma, The Company of Biologists and Novogene.