Extended deadline for abstract submission is fast approaching (Monday 28th July) for our conference "Understanding Life: Using Large-scale Biodiversity Reference Genomes" to be held on 27th-29th October at the Wellcome Genome Campus, near Cambridge, UK. More information on the conference can be found here: www.bit.ly/4j3vAZ9 This conference aims to bring together researchers interested in large-scale genomics to understand the magnificent biodiversity on our planet. It will be of interest if you work on generating sequence data, developing methods or tools for genome processing, or use genomics to understand mechanisms of evolution. This conference will have both in-person and virtual attendance. Registration deadline (In-person): 29 September Registration deadline (Virtual): 20 October Scientific sessions will include: - Genome evolution - Symbiosis genomics - Genomics of speciation - Ecological genomics There will also be several workshops lead by specialists in the fields bringing together working groups and consortia associated with biodiversity reference genomes: - AI and annotation - Sequencing the holobiont - how to disentangle species - Curation of assemblies - Advances in Genomic Technologies - Project Psyche Showcase - Bat1K showcase - Aquatic symbiosis genomics - Working with industry and agritech - Population genomics and conservation Keynote speakers: Ute Hentschel Humeida - GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Germany Arnau Sebé-Pedrós - Centre for Genomic Regulation, Spain Confirmed session speakers: Aoife McLysaght - Trinity College Dublin, Ireland Niklas Wahlberg - Lund University, Sweden Claire Mérot - University of Rennes, France Posters sessions will provide opportunities to present research findings or get feedback on ongoing research. Hope to see you in Cambridge in October! Peter Mulhair, on behalf of the Organising Committee peter.mulhair@liverpool.ac.uk "Mulhair, Peter" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)