Grand Challenges Symposium

Our annual Grand Challenges Symposia focus each year on a specific area of interest in the wide range of topics from animal behavior, ecology, and evolution to physiology and neuro­biology, suggested by the doctoral candidates of our IMPRS. The symposia consist of a series of talks by guest speakers, faculty and students of our program.

This year, our Grand Challenges Symposium focuses on "Balancing conservation and fundamental science: What can evolution and behavior tell us about the persistence of biodiversity?"

Researchers are producing data on the behavior and evolution of species at an astounding rate. At the same time, the Anthropocene is causing the decline of biodiversity at a shocking rate. A grand challenge for biologists and conservations alike is linking the unpresented knowledge of behavior and evolution with the conservation of species. Phylogeny, individual behavior, and genetics play fundamental roles in shaping population composition and distribution. Thus, decent knowledge of these fundamental factors for species of concern is essential for assessing population viability, conductivity between populations, and predicting range shifts. Poor knowledge of these factors may result in ineffective population management and lead to the continued decline of species. Therefore, balancing fundamental biology with conservation may be the only way to effectively slow, if not stop, the rapid decline of planet wide biodiversity.

The Symposium will be held at the MPI-BI Seewiesen with in-person talks and online talks by keynote speakers.