International Workshop: Evolutionary Biology of Arachnids in the Western Ghats of India
The Evolutionary Biology of Arachnids in the Western Ghats of India is a six-day workshop is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of evolutionary concepts, primarily through sessions focused on phylogenetics, using arachnids as a model organism. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and discussions that explore molecular phylogenetics and its applications in understanding the evolutionary relationships among arachnid species. Additionally, the workshop aims to foster research skills and collaborations that promote the conservation of the region’s unique fauna.
The workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning about phylogenetics, with a particular emphasis on analyzing Sanger sequence data. This includes students, research scholars, faculty, and scientists.
Important Information
Dates: June 2nd to 7th, 2025
Venue: Bharata Mata College (Autonomous), Thrikkakara, Kochi, Kerala, India
Fees (includes certificate, lunch and refreshments)
- Rs 1500/- or 20 USD for Scientists/ Faculty
- Rs 750/- or 10 USD for Students/ Research scholars
Organized by
- Department of Zoology, Bharata Mata College (Autonomous), Thrikkakara, Kochi, Kerala, India
In collaboration with
- Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, USA
- Section Arachnology, Museum of Nature, Hamburg – Zoology, Germany
Supported by
- Global Evolutionary Biology Initiative, European Society for Evolutionary Biology
Topics Covered
The workshop will explore arachnid diversity, and sampling techniques. The participants will learn about biogeography, and speciation, including molecular techniques for phylogenetic reconstruction and hands-on experience with tools like R, MEGA, and BEAST. It will also cover DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and data analysis, aiming to enhance understanding of arachnid biology and conservation.
Registration
Please submit a brief CV and a one-page statement explaining your interest in attending the workshop to [email protected]. Due to limited availability, only 20 participants will be selected.
The chosen participants will be contacted by email and the registration fee collected from them.
*REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES CERTIFICATE, LUNCH AND REFRESHMENTS
- Rs 1500/- or 20 USD for Scientists/ Faculty
- Rs 750/- or 10 USD for Students/ Research scholars
Note: Participants need to bring their own laptop for the molecular phylogenetics sessions
Organizers
Programme co-ordinator
- Mr. Jithin Johnson
Organizing committee
- Dr. Sherin Antony (Head of the Department)
- Dr. Simi Joseph P.
- Dr. Sonia John
Advisory committee
- Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham Oliapurath (Manager)
- Rev. Fr. Jimmichan Karthanam (Asst. Manager)
- Dr. Lissy Kachappilly (Principal)
- Prof. (Dr.) Johnson K.M. (Academic Director)
Workshop team
- Dr. Stephanie F. Loria
Assistant Professor & Curator,
Terrestrial Invertebrates
University of Central Oklahoma, USA - Dr. Danilo Harms
Head & Curator
Section Arachnology
Museum of Nature, Hamburg – Zoology (LIB)
Germany - Dr. Mathew M. J.
Senior Scientist
Bharata Mata College (Autonomous)
Thrikkakara, Kerala, India - Mr. Valentin Ehrenthal
Graduate Student
Section Arachnology
Museum of Nature, Hamburg – Zoology (LIB)
Germany - Mr. Jithin Johnson
Assistant Professor
Department of Zoology
Bharata Mata College (Autonomous)
Thrikkakara, Kerala, India
For enquiries, contact
Mr. Jithin Johnson
E-mail: [email protected]
Mob: +91 9072160405, +91 8714575262
