Evolution, development and mechanics: Evodevmec2026

2-5 Nov 2026 Paris (France)

Roadmap for EvoDevMec

The link with evolutionary history of an organism is key to understand embryonic development. Much of the focus has been so far on genetic circuitry. However, it has become increasingly clear that physical constraints are an essential aspect at the basis of morphogenetic processes. We have now reached an exciting stage where it becomes possible to integrate mechanical considerations in our view of how development has been shaped during evolution: EvoDevMec.

This new approach has recently raised great interest, but biological questions still need to be reformulated with precision. In addition, due to its integrative nature, it poses a scientific and technical challenge: What type of experimental systems could be used? How could we define experimental proof of concepts? How can theoretical biophysical models help integrate various questions and approaches?

We aim at discussing these questions in an informal context, i.e. with chalk talks. The workshop is strictly limited to 30 persons, from PhD students to senior scientists from various countries. We will welcome biologists using a breadth of models (from unicellular organisms to animal and plant models), physicists (theoreticians, numericians, experimentalists), and mathematicians. We will particularly discuss regime of applicability of experimental systems and theoretical frameworks. We will encourage exchange of published and unpublished information, including long-term projects, or even negative results. We hope to stimulate new collaborations between participants.

There are no invited speakers and no registration fees.

We will provide lunch on Nov. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th and coffee breaks. Participants are expected to cover their own travel and lodging expenses, except a few young researchers to whom we will try to provide support upon request. Participants have to check their visa requirement and we can provide invitation letters upon request.

Application deadline is June 15th, 2026.

Please send to evodevmec2026@sciencesconf.org your name, e-mail address, affiliation, age / career status / any detail which might help us contribute to create a balanced selection of applicants, and your motivation to apply (total : less than 1500 signs, preferably as an attached pdf file). Within 1 week we will send a confirmation that your application has been received. After June 15th, late applications will be considered on a case by case basis. We will announce the selection at latest on July 10th.

Scientific committee:

François Fagotto, Center for Research in Cell Biology of Montpellier, CNRS and University of Montpellier, France

François Graner, Matières et Systèmes Complexes, CNRS and Université Paris Cité, France

Marie Manceau, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris, France

Local organising committee:

François Graner

Dennis Wörthmüller

website: https://evodevmec2026.sciencesconf.org/

Thanks for financial support: CRBM; MSC; CIRB; Faculté des Sciences de Université Paris Cité