Max Planck Symposium on “Organismal Biology meets Epigenetics”

June 19-20, 2017 in the Harnack-Haus, Berlin

Epigenetics as a relatively young focus in biological research has increasing exponentially over the last few decades and doubtlessly contributed to our understanding on how gene expression is regulated by proving that epigenetic changes alter a great variety of phenotypic traits not by changing the form or function of gene products, but by altering the timing and quantity of their production in tissues at key points in time. Epigenetic changes are coordinated by transcription factors together with dynamic changes in the local organization of chromatin and further highly sensitive and responsive to environmental influences.

By determining which and to what degree genes are expressed epigenetic mechanisms have substantial effects on the development and characteristics of organisms. Thus, it is obvious that epigenetic theory has a lot to offer for studies in organismal biology, evolution and behavioural (neuro-)biology and vice versa. To discuss the latest research on the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic phenomena, and their implications to both organismal biology and phenotypic plasticity in response to internal or external environments the MPI for Ornithology and the MPI for Immunobiology and Epigenetics set up an interdisciplinary panel for discussion of studying the complexities of organismal biology at multiple levels.

The Symposium hosted by the Max Planck Directors, Prof. Dr. Manfred Gahr (MPIO, Seewiesen) and Dr. Asifa Akhtar (MPI-IE, Freiburg), has the mission to share the newest scientific concepts and research findings to understand what characteristics allow phenotypic plasticity in response to internal or external environments, and what characteristics create inflexibility. A group of high-profile speakers will examine these topics on multiple levels.

The two-day Symposium on “Organismal Biology meets Epigenetics” will take place on June 19 and 20, 2017 at the Harnack Haus, Ihnestr. 16-20 in 14195 Berlin.

If you want to join, please register by May 31, 2017:

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See here for more information on the program.