Women scientists from around the world come to Plön

International workshop “Women in Evolutionary Biology II” brought around 80 participants to the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology

For three days, Plön became a meeting place for the international evolutionary biology community. From 1 to 3 June, the workshop “Women in Evolutionary Biology II” took place at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology. Around 80 participants, including organisers, invited keynote speakers and researchers from various countries, came together to discuss current questions in evolutionary biology and to exchange experiences, career paths and perspectives of women in science.

Following the successful first edition in 2024, this was the second time the format had been held. The programme combined scientific talks, short presentations, poster sessions and panel discussions with ample opportunity for personal conversations and networking. This open exchange was a central aim of the workshop: women scientists at different career stages were able to talk not only about their research, but also about topics that often receive less attention in the usual conference setting.

The workshop was opened with brief welcoming remarks by Managing Director Arne Traulsen. Afterwards, Max Planck Research Group Leaders Nathalie Feiner, Linda Odenthal-Hesse, Hildegard Uecker and Markéta Kaucká presented their research groups and gave the guests an insight into the work being carried out at the Plön institute.

The international focus was particularly evident in the keynote lectures. The invited speakers included Catalina Chaparro-Pedraza from the University of Basel/Eawag in Switzerland, Marjon de Vos from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Tiana Kohlsdorf from the University of São Paulo in Brazil, Laura Nuño de la Rosa from the Institute of Philosophy of the Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Kateryna Makova from Penn State University in the United States, and Laasya Samhita from Ashoka University in India.

The contributions showed just how broad modern evolutionary biology has become: from molecular and genomic questions to developmental biology and ecology, as well as philosophical perspectives on evolution. At the same time, the workshop highlighted the importance of spaces in which women scientists can not only present their research, but also speak openly about experiences, challenges and support within academia.

The response from participants was correspondingly positive. Many praised the open atmosphere, the quality of the programme and the opportunity to network in a supportive environment. For the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, the workshop is also an example of how international cutting-edge research and personal exchange can come together even in the small town of Plön.

Special thanks go to the organising team: Amanda de Azevedo-Lopes, Halley Cano-Fernandez, Linda Kappes, Manasvi Balachandran, Rajalekshmi N. Sarma, Stella M. Kyomen and Hildegard Uecker. After three successful days, there is already great anticipation for the next edition of “Women in Evolutionary Biology”.