2023 Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

Gordon Research Conferences, East Greenwich RI

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY Our conference has three main goals: (1) To address how the recent increase in genomic data availability generates amazing opportunities to explore species evolution and population changes at the genomic level, from comparative genomics of model and non-model species to genomic interactions within communities or host- pathogen co-evolution. (2) To broaden the scope beyond existing genomic resources and address how our community will meet the challenges generated by this incoming deluge of data, including how to encourage research that is ethical, open and accessible. (3) To highlight how the ecological and evolutionary genomics community can support and inform major challenges faced by biodiversity worldwide, especially linked to climate and habitat changes. We expect that this GRC will address key issues relevant to NHGRI, including multidisciplinary discussions of how evolutionary and population genomics in humans and models can benefit medical research, how ecological genomics can help address the challenges of climate change and how to incorporate new advances in machine learning for evolutionary and population genomics. We note that this GRC has historically been an important meeting place for many NHGRI-funded researchers to exchange ideas and present new work that fuels innovation and insights into human health and evolution. The conference will be preceded by a one-day Gordon Research Seminar, which focuses on early career investigators in our community (graduate students and postdocs). This is an opportunity for junior researchers of the field to present their work in a welcoming atmosphere, exchange with their peers, and network with invited senior guests. The seminar addresses the specific needs of the next generation of field leaders, while the main conference gives all participants a place where the community comes together to review the state-of-the-art and develop the future of ecological and evolutionary genomics. We are requesting funds to offset the travel expenses for trainees from underserved and underrepresented communities and key invited speakers.