evolVienna Workshop/Symposium 15–17 Sept 2026
Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna
Methods for Inferring Gene Flow from Population Genomic and Phylogenetic Data
evolVienna is hosting two events this September at the Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research (Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna). From 15–17 September 2026, a free, in-person workshop on "Methods for Inferring Gene Flow from Population Genomic and Phylogenetic Data" will be taught by Camille Roux and Arthur Boddaert (ISEM, Montpellier), covering Approximate Bayesian Computation approaches to demographic inference, phylogenetic methods for detecting gene flow using Aphid, and applied talks by the instructors and workshop participants. This is followed on the afternoon of 17 September by the evolVienna symposium, bringing together evolutionary biologists from across Vienna and beyond for a series of talks, including Rising Stars Flash Talks for early-career researchers. The workshop is supported by an event grant from the Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution (VDSEE), and the symposium is supported by Prof. Norman Wicket.
Registration for both events is via a single form: https://forms.gle/W4Ric7v8bn2BsZTx6
Workshop plan
Day 1 (15 Sept, full day) — Instructor: Camille Roux
Theme: Inferring gene flow from population genomic data using Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) approaches
Topics include: coalescent theory, coalescent simulators, building and comparing demographic models, parameter estimation under alternative scenarios, model checking and quality control, and empirical applications.
Day 2 (16 Sept, full day) — Instructor: Arthur Boddaert
Theme: Inferring gene flow from phylogenetic data using Aphid
Topics include: phylogenetic methods for detecting gene flow, distinguishing incomplete lineage sorting from gene flow, how Aphid works internally, data preparation, interpretation of results, and empirical applications.
Day 3 (17 Sept, morning) — Talks by invited speakers and participants
On the morning of the final day, Thibault Leroy and Arthur Boddaert will each give a talk on the application of methods discussed in the workshop to their own research. There will also be opportunities for 3 participants to present their own work (15 min) and receive feedback from the instructors and other attendees. If you are interested in presenting, please indicate this when registering.
Symposium schedule (17 Sept 2026, afternoon)
14:00–14:30 Heiko A. Schmidt — Long-branch attraction? Unexpected results from reconstructing larger trees with long branches
14:30–15:00 Break
15:00–15:30 Martin Kapun — TBA
15:30–16:00 Ashwini Mohan — On the role of ectopic recombination for karyotype evolution and reproductive isolation in holocentric sedges
16:00–16:30 Rising Stars Flash Talks (up to 10 speakers × 3 minutes)
16:30–17:00 Break
17:00–17:30 Anna-Sophie Hawranek and Marion Chartier — From flower to 3D model: studying the floral shape of Aquilegia
17:30–18:00 Gudrun Schwarze — From coiled larvae to sessile adults: molecular and morphological perspectives on the development of worm snails (Vermetidae)
18:00 onwards Socialising