Leipzig, Germany

Molecular Evolutionary Ecology in Biodiversity

This 5-day summerschool is designed for doctoral researchers and will provide theoretical insights and hands-on experience in molecular, chemical, and eco-evolutionary questions and approaches for biodiversity research. Specifically, we will explore and discuss, through ecological and evolutionary lenses, how plant morphological and molecular traits can influence plant-environment interactions, for example through signaling potential animal dispersers.

After a general introduction, the 16 participants will split into two groups. The first group (6 people) will learn advanced methods in metabolomics and apply them to previously unstudied fig species from Madagascar. The second group (10 people) will focus on the ecology and evolution of morphological fruit traits and combine sampling of tropical fruits in Leipzig zoo with a systematic literature review to place their findings in a comprehensive ecological and genetic context. The two groups will then join again to learn phylogenetic comparative methods and apply them to their respective projects. The five-day program will end in a symposium in which all participants present their work and receive feedback from other participants and iDiv researchers.

Besides the scientific programme, there will be several social events during the summerschool, to get to know each other, the instructors, and other iDiv researchers, as well as the city of Leipzig.

Course leader

Nicole van Dam, Omer Nevo, Renske Onstein, Yuanshu Pu

Target group

Doctoral researchers from around the world. The maximum number of participants is 16. The gender and nationality of applicants will be taken into account to maintain diverse participation. 2-4 fellowships are available for PhD students from regions that are often underrepresented in science. They cover the registration fee as well as travel and accommodation costs in Leipzig.

Fee info

EUR 150: This covers the costs of teaching and materials, accommodation, coffee breaks and lunch, two dinners and the cultural programme. All participants will be provided a single room in a two-room apartment in the city center from 14-20 August (6 nights) Participants are generally asked to cover the costs of their trip and any meals (except when included as part of the summer school programme).