A triple helix: metaphor, society, and the science of evolution

A hybrid workshop in memory of Richard Lewontin

October 3-7, 2022
Mexico City, Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM

Dick Lewontin (1929-2021) was a prominent evolutionary biologist who advanced biological knowledge and debate in several (and sometimes dissimilar) fronts. His work is a required reference for discussions about sociobiology, genetic reductionism (and determinism), and evolutionary processes. He also interacted, collaborated, and trained many people who are nowadays continuing his work and contributing to paths of inquiry which he helped to initiate or move forward.

This hybrid workshop aims at honoring him and in carrying on some of the topics that occupied him.

The workshop will take place both in person and virtually with discussions on the following three main topics:

  • Evolutionary biology as a science
  • Metaphors in biology
  • Biology in society

Activities will be scheduled along one week (October 3-7, 2022) combining in-person and virtual sessions. Participants will be asked to play at most two of the following roles in the workshop:

  • Speaker
  • Discussant
  • Discussion organizer

Speakers will present a paper related to one of the three central topics of the workshop; discussants will reply to a speaker’s talk (hopefully from a complementary perspective); and discussion organizers will coordinate group discussion sessions.

We invite people interested in participating in the workshop to submit their application by sending an email to: david.suarez@ciencias.unam.mx with the subject line “Lewontin workshop”. Applications should include the following information:

  • Full name and current location
  • Email address
  • Main topic (the one you are most interested in)
  • In-person or remote participation
  • Role(s) of participation
  • Area(s) of expertise
  • Expression of interest (up to 100 words)
  • If you are interested in presenting a paper please submit an abstract of ~250 words

Deadline: June 15, 2022

Thank you for your interest in the workshop. Unfortunately we are not able to receive more applications. However, if you want to attend the event, please look forward to when the registration opens.

Disclaimer

All sessions will be live-streamed for previously registered audience, but only participants will be able to interact in most sessions.