********************GradStudentPositions******************** Graduate Student Position in Termite Behavior and Evolution Mizumoto Lab, Auburn University The Mizumoto Lab at Auburn University is recruiting one graduate student, preferably at the PhD level with prior master's experience, to start in Fall 2026 (August). Research focus Our lab studies the evolution of termite sociality and collective behavior. We combine behavioral experiments, comparative analyses, fieldwork, and computational and theoretical methods to understand how social and socio-sexual behavior evolve across species. Research areas The student will work on projects related to termite behavior and evolution. Ongoing projects include: * Comparative analysis of termite collective building * Evolution and mechanisms of tandem running * Theoretical and computational modeling on social evolution * Comparison of behaviors between termites and cockroaches Students will begin a defined research project within the lab's core research themes, developed in discussion with Dr. Mizumoto. As the project progresses, students are expected to develop an independent sub-project within the scope. Projects may involve fieldwork, behavioral observation or experiments, computational analysis, or theoretical or modeling. The lab does not focus on molecular or genetic approaches. The Position Graduate students are fully funded through research assistantships and will conduct research under the guidance of Dr. Nobuaki Mizumoto. Students are expected to present their research at national and international conferences, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and actively participate in laboratory and departmental events. Applicants should have a strong interest in animal behavior, evolution, ecology, or a related field. Prior experience with insects, behavioral research, quantitative analysis, programming, or modeling is helpful but not required. Motivation, communication, and sustained engagement are essential. Application Interested applicants should email Dr. Nobuaki Mizumoto (nzm0095@auburn.edu) with: 1. CV 2. A brief statement of research interests 3. Contact information of three references Review of materials begins on Jan 31, 2026. Auburn University is an R1 research university located in a vibrant college town with easy access to natural areas. The Mizumoto Lab is part of the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, which hosts a friendly and collaborative community, including several labs working on social insects (ants, bees, termites). Contact: Nobuaki Mizumoto, Assistant Professor Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology Auburn University, Auburn, AL, US E-mail: nzm0095@auburn.edu Website: mizumoto-lab.com/ Nobuaki Mizumoto (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Jobs******************** The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Invertebrate Biology starting in August 2026. Research areas within the broad umbrella of Invertebrate Biology may include working with invertebrates in marine, freshwater, or terrestrial systems. Expertise of the applicant can range from cellular or organismal biology to community ecology and biodiversity, including the use of invertebrates as model systems for this broad search. Successful candidates will contribute to the Department's teaching mission at both the graduate and undergraduate level in core areas of our Biology and Marine Biology curriculum and other courses, as determined by the candidate's interests and departmental needs. The Department is particularly interested in the candidate's ability to foster a welcoming environment for students, staff, faculty, and community members. Candidates must have a PhD, post-doctoral research experience, and strong potential for excellence in both research and teaching. The Department of Biology and Marine Biology has an excellent record of faculty development and mentorship and is committed to the success of new faculty as we continue to grow our strategic research and teaching missions. Those interested should look here - https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/37895. Ken Halanych Executive Director Center for Marine Science UNCW "Halanych, Kenneth M" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Dear colleagues, Do you know a post-doc or junior faculty who is an up-and-coming scientist in field biology? Nominate them for our Rising Stars in Field Biology Seminar! The Rising Star seminar series was developed to amplify the research of early career biologists, and promote networking and research opportunities for them at Mountain Lake Biological Station (MLBS) in Southwestern Virginia. We are seeking nominees who are conducting research in evolution, ecology, behavior, or related fields and have a strong emphasis on field biology. Individuals with the potential to be positive role models for junior scientists (e.g., undergraduate and graduate students, lab technicians, postdocs) would be particularly strong nominees! In addition to showcasing their work, we are particularly eager to invite speakers interested in exploring new research opportunities at MLBS. Submit your nomination(s) by 11:59 PM (EST) on January 16 using this form: https://forms.gle/67E8isp6cseXMYN79. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Corlett Wood (corlett@sas.upenn.edu). Sandy Kawano, PhD Associate Director of Mountain Lake Biological Station (MLBS) Director of MLBS Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program Assistant Professor of Biology, General Faculty she / her / hers E brr3ph@virginia.edu [A button with "Hear my name" text for name playback in email signature] University of Virginia Department of Biology 485 McCormick Road P.O. Box 400328 Charlottesville, VA 22903 "Kawano, Sandy (brr3ph)" ********************Other******************** Dear colleagues, Do you know a post-doc or junior faculty who is an up-and-coming scientist in field biology? Nominate them for our Rising Stars in Field Biology Seminar! The Rising Star seminar series was developed to amplify the research of early career biologists, and promote networking and research opportunities for them at Mountain Lake Biological Station (MLBS) in Southwestern Virginia. We are seeking nominees who are conducting research in evolution, ecology, behavior, or related fields and have a strong emphasis on field biology. Individuals with the potential to be positive role models for junior scientists (e.g., undergraduate and graduate students, lab technicians, postdocs) would be particularly strong nominees! In addition to showcasing their work, we are particularly eager to invite speakers interested in exploring new research opportunities at MLBS. Submit your nomination(s) by 11:59 PM (EST) on January 16 using this form: https://forms.gle/67E8isp6cseXMYN79. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Corlett Wood (corlett@sas.upenn.edu). Sandy Kawano, PhD Associate Director of Mountain Lake Biological Station (MLBS) Director of MLBS Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program Assistant Professor of Biology, General Faculty she / her / hers E brr3ph@virginia.edu [A button with "Hear my name" text for name playback in email signature] University of Virginia Department of Biology 485 McCormick Road P.O. Box 400328 Charlottesville, VA 22903 "Kawano, Sandy (brr3ph)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** Canadian Journal of Zoology: Celebrating three decades of stickleback research - a call for submission. Dear Colleagues, We are coordinating a collection of papers in the Canadian Journal of Zoology focused on all aspects of stickleback research including evolutionary studies. As Guest Editors of the collection "Celebrating three decades of stickleback research in the Canadian Journal of Zoology", we invite submissions on any stickleback species. In addition to standard research articles, we welcome reviews, perspectives, and notes. Full scope and submission instructions can be found on the landing page: https://cdnsciencepub.com/topic/cjz-stickleback The deadline for submitting your paper is 30 March 2026. Thank you for considering this CJZ collection to publish your research with. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the Guest Editors. Sincerely, Rana El-Sabaawi, PhD University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada rana@uvic.ca Grant Haines, PhD H�lar University, H�lar, Iceland grant@holar.is Dina Navon, PhD University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada Dina.Navon@ufv.ca Fr�d�ric JJ Chain, PhD University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, US frederic_chain@uml.edu "Chain, Frederic J" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************Other******************** We are now recruiting applications for the Summer 2026 Graduate Research Experience for the funded National Science Foundation program "IRES: Better Access for Training Scientists (BATS) in Methods to Conserve Bats and Detect Emerging Pathogens" Bats host more zoonotic viruses than any other mammal species yet they are also silent guardians of our ecosystems, pollinating fruit trees, dispersing seeds, and keeping insect populations in check. As human activity continues to expand into wild landscapes, the risk of zoonotic spillover grows, reminding us how deeply connected our health is to the health of wildlife. This paradox, bats as both carriers and caretakers, lies at the heart of the BATS-IRES program. Understanding this delicate balance requires more than laboratory science alone. It calls for curiosity in the field, creativity in the lab, and compassion in communication. The BATS-IRES program trains a new generation of scientists in field-based molecular biology and science communication, in collaboration with the Center for Biodiversity and Endangered Species (CBES) in Ho Chi Minh, City, Vietnam. Over four transformative weeks, participants will: -Collect and sequence DNA in tropical ecosystems using portable "backpack labs." -Work directly with Vietnamese researchers to study bats, microbes, and ecosystems at the edge of change. -Learn to communicate science clearly across cultures, disciplines, and communities. The program is not only about generating data...it is about building bridges between people, nations, and ideas. Through research, collaboration, and storytelling, participants will explore how science can protect both biodiversity and global health. Participants will receive a stipend of $700 per week and all travel is covered by the program. The program is four weeks long in 2026. Undergraduates, post-baccalaureates, community college students, and 1st year graduate students are eligible. A valid U.S. passport is required. The program is run by UNC Charlotte but the entirety of the program will take place in Vietnam. Eligibility Requirements Must-haves: -A rabies vaccination/titer. Proof of vaccination will be required. There is no funding from this award to support rabies vaccination. -Demonstrated academic achievement and research potential appropriate to stage in career (transcripts and two faculty recommendation letters required). -Interest in evolution, ecology, disease ecology, or wildlife management as evidenced by coursework, research projects, or extracurricular activities. Nice-to-haves -Previous wet-lab experience in molecular biology -Fieldwork or animal handling experience -Experience in bioinformatics or sequence analysis -Interest in science communication, podcasting, etc. -Flexibility and resilience in adapting to international settings, new environments, and cross-cultural experiences. Deadline: January 17, 2026 Notification of Participants: February 6, 2026 Participant Decision, Confirmation, and Proof of Vaccination and Documentation: March 13, 2026 Planned Departure Window (will arrange based on final participants): May 18-30, 2026 Program specific information: https://bats-ires.cbes.vn/ Apply here: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/8348/opportunity/11503 Contact: Dr. Laurel Yohe - Principal Investigator lyohe1@charlotte.edu https://www.yohelab.net/ Laurel Yohe (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Dear Colleagues, We will very soon have a postdoc position open with us at EMBL-EBI on 'pandemic-scale phylodynamics', in collaboration also with the Duchene, Lemoine and Zhukova groups at Institute Pasteur, and the McHardy group at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research. We want to hire somebody from as soon as possible (hence this early pre-advertisement) until the end of October 2027. We are looking for somebody with statistical/computational/genomic epidemiology expertise and skills. Interest and/or experience in large-scale genomic data analysis and simulation would be a great plus. The aims of our side of the project will be: - developing methods for large-scale global genomic epidemiological simulations, and create a general framework for benchmarking phylodynamic inference methods. - extending MAPLE [1 [1],2 [2],3 [3]] to allow massive time tree and phylogeographic inference. - benchmarking existing phylodynamic/phylogeographic methods at large scale. The candidate will be expected to contribute to at least some of these tasks. We will coordinate work on these topics with our collaborators, who will develop scalable methods for the inference of variant fitness [4 [4]] and in phylogeography [5 [5]] and phylodynamics [6 [6],7 [7]]. We will soon officially advertise the position, but for now, we would be very thankful if you could alert interested candidates or put them in contact with us. Best regards, Nicola De Maio and Nick Goldman @ebi.ac.uk Links: [1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-023-01368-0 [2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09567-x [3] https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.12.603240 [4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60231-4 [5] https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msz131 [6] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-31511-0 [7] https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syad059 Nick Goldman (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Hi everyone, we are looking for a postdoc to work on the determinants of cross-species transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) . HPAI viruses are spreading not only across continents but also across species, and key questions remain about when and why viruses jump species, is this mainly driven by genetic or ecological factors? This work would help to anticipate zoonotic emergence events. The postdoc will be part of the [ https://prezode-initiative.org/en/first-four-pepr-projects-have-been-selected/ | ZOOFLU ] p roject (ANR-23-PEPZ-0005) with collaboration with the consortium, ETH Z�rich and North Carolina State University. This is a computationally oriented, laptop-based position , relying on phylodynamics, evolutionary analyses, and case study datasets . We are therefore looking for someone with prior experience in phylodynamic analyses , who is able to work independently and contribute analytically. You will join our [ https://epidesa.inrae.envt.fr/ | epidesa ] team with a very good working atmosphere at [ https://www.inrae.fr/en | INRAE ] -ENVT within the Host-Pathogens Interactions [ https://ihap.fr/ | IHAP ] unit, located in Toulouse, France. If you are interested, feel free to apply or share within your network! The deadline for applications is February 28th 2026 More information: [ https://jobs.inrae.fr/en/ot-28001 ] Best wishes, Claire Claire GUINAT DVM, MSc, PhD epidesa group , UMR INRAE-ENVT IHAP claire.guinat@envt.fr | [ http://www.inrae.fr/ ] [ http://www.envt.fr/ ] 23 chemin des Capelles - BP 87614 - 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3 ??" France +33()0561192345 claire.guinat@envt.fr (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************PostDocs******************** Post-doc position: The genetic and epigenetic basis of inbreeding depression Where: UMR 6553 ECOBIO CNRS/Universite de Rennes Hosts: Steve Ramm & Sylvain Glemin When: starting early 2026 (negotiable), for up to 2 years (according to experience) Context: The post-doc is offered as part of a wider collaborative ANR project "FRIDA" (Fast-renewed inbreeding depression in animals) coordinated by Patrice David at CEFE Montpellier and in collaboration with colleagues at the CEFE, IHPE Perpignan and LEHNA Lyon. Scientific background: The goal of the FRIDA project is to investigate new ideas regarding the speed at which inbreeding depression (ID) can arise and its potential persistence in the absence of genetic variation due to epigenetic inheritance. Two characteristics suggest that the epigenetic component may play a role as a source of fast-renewed inbreeding depression (FRID): (i) the ability to generate heritable variation rapidly and (ii) a tendency to revert to ancestral states over generations. Project: The recruited post-doc will contribute to work package 2 of the FRIDA project, for which we are developing the free-living flatworm Macrostomum hystrix as one of the two animal model systems for the project in which to study the genetic and epigenetic basis of inbreeding depression, building on our earlier work documenting delayed selfing in this species. Ongoing projects in the lab are investigating the fitness consequences of self-fertilization, including generating a panel of inbred lines that will be used for the post-doc project. Your tasks will be to continue the breeding of these lines; to use them to perform experimental tests of the main project hypotheses; to prepare samples for downstream analyses; to perform data analyses and interpretation; and to disseminate the results through articles and oral presentations. Candidate profile: The ideal candidate for this position will hold a doctoral degree (PhD) and have a background in ecology and evolution, with a strong interest in inbreeding depression and/or mating system evolution. Prior experience working with flatworms or other invertebrate model systems would be helpful but not required. Depending on the interests and aptitude of the selected candidate, there could be opportunities to work on additional aspects related to the project, including but not limited to transcriptomics and (epi)genomics analyses, experimental evolution and/or theoretical modeling. Experience in statistical analysis, writing scientific papers and scientific oral presentation is expected. The lab operates in English but a facility in French (or willingness to acquire it) is helpful for daily interactions. Location: You will be based in the ECOBIO lab (UMR 6553 - Ecosystèmes, Biodiversite, Evolution; CNRS/Universite de Rennes) where you will join the Evo-Adapt research theme working on diverse topics in evolutionary ecology, life history evolution and evolutionary genomics. We are based on the Beaulieu scientific campus in Rennes, a lively university city frequently rated among the most liveable in France, the capital of the Brittany region and home to a growing interactive network of evolutionary biologists spread across multiple laboratories. To apply: Please send your application documents, comprising a CV and cover letter detailing your motivation and fit to the project, plus names and contact details of at least two referees, all as a single PDF, to steven.ramm@univ-rennes.fr, including FRIDA POSTDOC in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed starting January 15th but the position remains open until filled. Informal enquiries welcome! For more info: Bonel N, Grunau C, David P. Not just mutations: Inbreeding depression persists without genetic variation. bioRxiv 2025.02.25.640231; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.25.640231 Ramm SA, Vizoso DB, Schärer L. Occurrence, costs and heritability of delayed selfing in a free-living flatworm. J Evol Biol. 2012 Dec;25(12):2559-68. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.12012 https://macrostomum.wordpress.com/the-genetic-and-epigenetic-basis-of-inbreeding-depression/ Steve Ramm, PhD, HDR Chaire de Recherche Rennes Metropole Chaire de Professeur Junior UMR 6553 ECOBIO - Ecosystèmes, Biodiversite, Evolution Universite de Rennes, FRANCE steven.ramm@univ-rennes.fr https://ecobio.univ-rennes.fr/interlocuteurs/steven-ramm Steven Ramm (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** The Field School in Tropical Ecology (ECOTROP) is pleased to announce a National Science Foundation supported four-week summer field course in tropical ecology and conservation. This field course will be held in Gabon, Central Africa, and will focus on examining the effects of past human settlements on forest ecology and biodiversity. This field research opportunity is open to U.S. students at both the undergraduate and graduate level and will provide hands on mentorship in a variety of disciplines: archaeology, environmental anthropology, geosciences, botany and wildlife biology. On-line preparatory courses and language training will be held two months prior to the start of field work in Gabon. Overseas field work will be from mid-June to mid-July 2026. Please see the website: www.ecotropgabon.org Application deadline: February 1st, 2026. Applications can be submitted at the following website: https://www.uno.edu/studyabroad/gabon Requirements: * Must be a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States * Must currently be registered as an undergraduate or graduate student, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 * One semester of sophomore level ecology, evolutionary biology or relevant discipline (e.g. geosciences, anthropology or environmental science) * Preferably one semester of college-level French * Hold or are willing to apply for a valid passport * Enjoy working in a multi-cultural setting and learning new skills * Able to camp and work under physically strenuous conditions Prior to departure, student participants will be given eight weeks of preparatory online classes in (a) the French language and (b) the fundamental concepts of conservation sciences relevant to this project. Students will then spend one month in Gabon and will work collaboratively with their Gabonese student counterparts and international mentors in the development of team research projects in one or more disciplines. Beyond the classroom, this will foster cultural exchange while allowing students to experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Gabon's rainforests. Classroom and field instruction will be given by scientists from collaborating institutions including: the University of New Orleans, The University of Michigan, the Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku, the University of Omar Bongo, the Gabonese National Park Service, the University of Lausanne, as well as the French Research Institute for Development and the Agricultural Research Center for Sustainable Development. On returning to the U.S., a series of professional development workshops will be organized to provide guidance in future career development and networking opportunities. This overseas research training opportunity is currently funded through the National Science Foundation's International Research Experiences for Students (OISE 2420103) and is coordinated in the US by PI Nicola Anthony (University of New Orleans) and co-PI Johannes Foufopoulos (University of Michigan). Costs for all travel and in-country expenses will be provided by the program as well as an eight-week student stipend for summer 2026. Sincerely, Nicola Anthony Professor and Freeport-McMoRan Chair in Wildlife Sustainability Department of Biological Sciences University of New Orleans New Orleans LA 70148 Email: (nanthony@uno.edu) Johannes Foufopoulos Associate Professor School for Environment & Sustainability Dana Building University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI 48109 Email: jfoufop@umich.edu NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the telephone numbers listed above. Thank you! Nicola Mary Anthony (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear colleagues, We are excited to announce our upcoming online course, Foundations of Geometric Morphometrics (9th edition), taking place from 3 to 5 February 2026 (1-7 PM Berlin time). The course is taught by Dr. Carmelo Fruciano (University of Catania, Italy), a leading expert in the field. Course website: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/course22/ ) This beginner-friendly course introduces essential concepts and practical skills for acquiring and analysing 2D and 3D geometric morphometric data, a powerful approach widely used in evolutionary biology, anthropology, and archaeology to quantify and visualize biological shape variation with statistical rigour and intuitive interpretation. Through a mix of lectures and hands-on sessions, participants will learn about data acquisition techniques, quality control, and core analyses like Generalized Procrustes Analysis and Principal Component Analysis, using user-friendly software alongside R tools. The course is ideal for researchers new to geometric morphometrics or those seeking a solid foundation before advancing to more complex methods covered in the companion course on Multidimensional Phenotypic Evolution (online, 2-6 March): ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/mpe/ ) For the full list of our courses and workshops, please visit: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops ) Best regards, Carlo Carlo Pecoraro, Ph.D Physalia-courses DIRECTOR info@physalia-courses.org mobile: +49 17645230846 ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/physalia-courses-a64418127/ ) "info@physalia-courses.org" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca) ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** The Field School in Tropical Ecology (ECOTROP) is pleased to announce a National Science Foundation supported four-week summer field course in tropical ecology and conservation. This field course will be held in Gabon, Central Africa, and will focus on examining the effects of past human settlements on forest ecology and biodiversity. This field research opportunity is open to U.S. students at both the undergraduate and graduate level and will provide hands on mentorship in a variety of disciplines: archaeology, environmental anthropology, geosciences, botany and wildlife biology. On-line preparatory courses and language training will be held two months prior to the start of field work in Gabon. Overseas field work will be from mid-June to mid-July 2026. Please see the website: www.ecotropgabon.org Application deadline: February 1st, 2026. Applications can be submitted at the following website: https://www.uno.edu/studyabroad/gabon Requirements: * Must be a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States * Must currently be registered as an undergraduate or graduate student, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 * One semester of sophomore level ecology, evolutionary biology or relevant discipline (e.g. geosciences, anthropology or environmental science) * Preferably one semester of college-level French * Hold or are willing to apply for a valid passport * Enjoy working in a multi-cultural setting and learning new skills * Able to camp and work under physically strenuous conditions Prior to departure, student participants will be given eight weeks of preparatory online classes in (a) the French language and (b) the fundamental concepts of conservation sciences relevant to this project. Students will then spend one month in Gabon and will work collaboratively with their Gabonese student counterparts and international mentors in the development of team research projects in one or more disciplines. Beyond the classroom, this will foster cultural exchange while allowing students to experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Gabon's rainforests. Classroom and field instruction will be given by scientists from collaborating institutions including: the University of New Orleans, The University of Michigan, the Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku, the University of Omar Bongo, the Gabonese National Park Service, the University of Lausanne, as well as the French Research Institute for Development and the Agricultural Research Center for Sustainable Development. On returning to the U.S., a series of professional development workshops will be organized to provide guidance in future career development and networking opportunities. This overseas research training opportunity is currently funded through the National Science Foundation's International Research Experiences for Students (OISE 2420103) and is coordinated in the US by PI Nicola Anthony (University of New Orleans) and co-PI Johannes Foufopoulos (University of Michigan). Costs for all travel and in-country expenses will be provided by the program as well as an eight-week student stipend for summer 2026. Sincerely, Nicola Anthony Professor and Freeport-McMoRan Chair in Wildlife Sustainability Department of Biological Sciences University of New Orleans New Orleans LA 70148 Email: (nanthony@uno.edu) Johannes Foufopoulos Associate Professor School for Environment & Sustainability Dana Building University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI 48109 Email: jfoufop@umich.edu NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is intended solely for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email or contact the sender at the telephone numbers listed above. Thank you! ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Introduction to Processing and Analysis of Spatial Multiplexed Proteomics Data (SPMP01) https://www.prstats.org/course/introduction-to-processing-and-analysis-of-spatial-multiplexed-proteomics-data-spmp01/ Dates:9-13 February 2026 Format:Live online, 5 days × 5.5 hours per day Fee:450 (standard) Time zone:UK (GMT); all sessions are recorded and made available for 30 days Why This Course Matters Spatial multiplexed proteomics techniques such as CODEX, CycIF, and MxIF/MACSIMA are revolutionising how we understand tissue microenvironments, cellular interactions, and spatial heterogeneity in biological systems. However, converting raw multiplexed imaging data into actionable biological insight requires expertise in image processing, spatial statistics, phenotyping, and bioinformatics pipelines. SPMP01bridges that gap. Over five intensive days, you will learn both the theoretical foundations and the hands-on computational skills needed to process, analyse, and interpret spatial multiplexed proteomics data. Whether your work lies in basic biology, cancer immunology, neuroscience, or spatial systems biology, this course equips you to handle complex image-based proteomics datasets. What You'll Learn Participants will move from foundational concepts to applied workflows across these core topics: Overview and comparison of spatial multiplexed imaging platforms (CODEX, CycIF, MxIF / MACSIMA) Image processing workflows: tile stitching, illumination correction, alignment, and region-of-interest generation Handling multi-resolution image formats (e.g., .tif, .ome.tif, .ome.zarr), and visualization strategies Single-cell segmentation: algorithms (e.g. Cellpose, Stardist, Mesmer), mask QC, and error diagnostics Feature extraction and cell phenotyping (marker intensity gating, clustering, annotation) Spatial neighbourhood and cell-cell interaction analysis: quantifying local and global neighbourhood statistics Batch processing and scalable workflows (using Nextflow pipelines such as MCMICRO) Best practices for reproducibility, data storage, workflow modularity, and integration with R/Python pipelines Through guided coding sessions and worked examples, you will apply these methods to real multiplexed imaging datasets and gain experience interpreting spatial proteomics results. Format & Support Each day blends lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practical work Participants are encouraged to bring their own data for discussion (time permitting) All course materials, scripts, and datasets are shared with attendees Livestream sessions are recorded and made available the same day Post-course email support is offered for 30 days to assist with implementation and troubleshooting Who Should Attend This course is aimed at researchers, computational biologists, bioinformaticians, and technical scientists who work with or plan to work with spatial omics and proteomics imaging data. Prior experience with R or Python is advantageous. Basic knowledge of statistics and familiarity with image data (microscopy) will help, but are not strict prerequisites. A comfortable level of computing literacy (e.g. command line use) is expected. Instructors Dr Victor Perez Meza an expert in fluorescence microscopy, image artefact correction, and multiplexed imaging workflows MSc Miguel Angel Ibarra Arellano specialist in reproducible bioimage analysis, neighbourhood spatial statistics, and spatial omics tools Their combined experience ensures a mix of methodological insight and practical, cutting-edge implementation. Who Will Benefit (Use Cases) Participants in SPMP01 will be better equipped to: Process and clean raw multiplexed imaging datasets Segment individual cells reliably and assess segmentation quality Assign cell phenotypes and derive per-cell morphological or marker statistics Quantify spatial relationships and neighbourhood structure in tissue Develop reproducible pipelines for spatial proteomics workflows Integrate processed spatial data into downstream statistical or machine learning analyses In fields such as cancer microenvironment analysis, immunology, neuroscience, and developmental biology, these capabilities are invaluable for linking cellular spatial patterns to functional and phenotypic insights. Registration & Details Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality interactive experience. The early bird rate (400) is available to the first five registrants. Standard registration is 450. Visit the course page for full schedule, registration, and further details: SPMP01 - Introduction to Processing and Analysis of Spatial Multiplexed Proteomics Data Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats Oliver Hooker (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)