We are pleased to announce the symposium "Tracing Evolution through
Cell Lineages", which will take place 12-14 October 2026 at the Max
Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany.

This workshop aims to bring together researchers at the interface
of evolutionary, developmental, and stem cell biology to explore how
evolutionary change is mediated through cell lineages. While phenotypic
evolution is often studied at the level of whole organisms, this symposium
focuses on the cellular processes cell states, lineage architecture,
fate decisions, and dynamics that ultimately generate morphological and
functional diversity. Particular emphasis will be placed on how changes
in lineage topology, timing, and spatial deployment contribute to the
emergence of novel cell types and to phenotypic diversification across
and within taxa.

The workshop will begin with a kick-off session on the evening of Monday,
October 12, followed by two full thematic days. The second day will focus
on how cellular processes underpin phenotypic change, while the third
day will emphasize the evolution and diversification of cell types and
lineages. The program will include invited speakers, contributed talks,
a poster session, structured discussions, and ample time for informal
exchange.

Invited speakers include:
Gunther Wagner
Athanasia Tzika
Leslie Babonis
Alexa Sadier
Henrik Kaessmann
Detlev Arendt
Patrick Tschopp
Andrea Streit
Arnau Sebé-Pedrós

We welcome contributions from researchers working within
this framework. Participants may present their work as a
poster or be considered for a short talk.  Register here:
https://workshops.evolbio.mpg.de/event/145/overview

With kind regards,
the organizing committee:
Gianmarco Cavalli, Nathalie Feiner, Linda Kappes, Markéta Kaucka,
Robin Pranter

Robin Pranter <pranter@evolbio.mpg.de>

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