AES 2024 Wrap up

Thank you for a great conference

December 9, 2024

AES 2024 Perth And that’s that for the 2024 AES Conference at the beautiful University of Western Australia. Thank you all very much for joining us, giving amazing talks, and engaging conversations. From the 2024 Executive committee * 2024 Awards The quality of presentation continues to improve every year! Thank you to all the judges for making the tough decisions of selecting the best talks. Here is our 2024 list of winners: 2024 Best Student Presentation Award – sponsored by Arludo Jennifer Evans (ANU) * 2024 AES Top 5 Best... [Read More]

AES Best Paper winner 2024!

November 4, 2024

Save the date for this year’s Australasian Evolution Society Conference! We are excited to announce the winners of our ECR Best Paper Plenary Awards! There are two awards, one for post-doctoral research and one for PhD research, and each award winner will present a plenary at the upcoming conference on the research conducted in their respective papers. The winner of the postdoctoral award is Dr Maddie James, for the paper “Uncovering the genetic architecture of parallel evolution” (Molecular Ecology 2023), which used a novel approach to address the fundamental question of whether evolution is repeatable. The winner of the... [Read More]

Save the date for AUSEVO 2024!

We're going West

April 30, 2024

Save the date for this year’s Australasian Evolution Society Conference! It will be held from Wednesday 4th December to Friday 6th December 2024 (inclusive) on University of Western Australia’s campus in Perth WA. Hosted by Renée Firman (Vice President) and co, it’s going to be a great occasion to enjoy the delights of our West coast while celebrating our excellent evolutionary research. We hope you can take the opportunity to spend a few days extra in the region. Early-career travel grants: We will offer travel grants again this year to support early-career researchers. You spoke and we listened... [Read More]

AUSEVO 2023 Wrapped!

The chicken kept everyone on time...

December 16, 2023

AusEvo 2023 Thank you everyone who participated at the 2023 AusEvo conference in Adelaide (13-15 of December)! It was three fantastic three days of science, amazing talks, and catch ups. Congratulations to the following student presentation awardees! Arludo Best Talk prize: Patrice Pottier (UNSW) Top 5 awesome talks (no particular order): Patra Petrohilos (Uni Sydney) Caitlin Creak (UNSW) Fabian Camilo Saldado Roa (Uni Melbourne) Daniela Wilner (UNSW) Christopher Barker (Uni Sydney) Favourite flash talk (by popular vote): Aubrey Keirnan (Flinders Uni) Conference bingo Lachlan King Lachlan get to keep the conference chicken as... [Read More]

AES 2023 Conference Adelaide

Registration now open!

June 9, 2023

The registration for AES 2023 is now open! Registration to our AES 2023 conference in Adelaide (13-15 of December) is now officially open! We are super excited to have you join us! We aim to provide an inclusive environment where evolutionary biologists can present their research and engage with each other in open discussions and friendly debates. We welcome people from all career stages, including parents and those that identify with traditionally under-represented groups. Please find all details on types of talks (including tag team talks!), prices, and other information on our website. Registration opens: TODAY! 6th of September,... [Read More]

ECR Grants 2022 Announcement

Congratulations to the recipients

September 10, 2022

OUTCOMES OF 2022 AES NETWORKING GRANTS! We are very excited to announce the winners of our inaugural AES ECR Networking grants! BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO: First prize ($2500): Dr Nathan Butterworth (Monash University) Runner up ($2000): Dr Katarina Stuart (University of Auckland) PhD award ($1500): Simon Lobos (Deakin University) All our winners will also receive free registration at the conference this year. JUDGING PANEL A huge THANK YOU to our panel, excellent researchers and science communicators: Dr Emma... [Read More]

AES 2019

Thank you!

November 28, 2019

Thanks for a great conference! This is it for this time - the Australasian Evolution Meeting 2019 is over. A big thank you for everyone who came to attend, for your fantastic talks, beautiful posters and engaging chats! Thank you to our AES Student and Early Career Researcher Award winners for outstanding plenary talks, and our special guests for exciting and stimulating events. Congratulations to the winners of student talks and posters, and a special thanks to the judges for volunteering their time. We hope many new friendships have been made, and are sure for many this meeting paves the... [Read More]

AES Special Events

Special Events!

October 28, 2019

Come and join us for our special public events at this years’ Australasian Evolution Meeting! Learn about what a career in Science Public Relations and Communication involves, to find out what being in PR is all about. With Olivia Marjorin, the head of communications for the Target Malaria Program. Sign up: PR Career or come to this hour session with Prof Neil Gemmel and learn what it’s like to engage with the public about your science. Sign up: Science Communication Looking forward to seeing you there! [Read More]

PhD opportunities at ANU

Positions in Ecology, Evolution, and Bioinformatics

September 5, 2019

The Division of Ecology and Evolution at the Australian National University are seeking expressions of interest from students interested in pursuing a PhD. These scholarships are open to all citizens and permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand. Projects available: • Living on the Edge: Thermal ecology of Australian alpine and desert plants (Nicotra Lab) • Marine ecology and conservation of tropical and temperate seascapes (Fulton Lab) • New Methods in Molecular Phylogenetics (Lanfear Lab) • The pace-of-life in a widespread Australian... [Read More]

AES Awards winners 2019 announced!

Student & Early Career Awards

August 8, 2019

We are proud to announce the winners of our Early Career and Student awards! AES Early Career Researcher Award Dr Oliver Griffith, ARC DECRA Fellow (Melbourne University) 2019 AES Student Research Awards Emily Roycroft, University of Melbourne, for the publication: Roycroft, E.J., A. Moussalli, K.C. Rowe. 2019. Phylogenomics Uncovers Confidence and Conflict in the Rapid Radiation of Australo-Papuan Rodents. Systematic Biology in press Damien Esquerré, Australian National University, for the publication: Esquerré, D., I.G. Brennan, R.A. Catullo, F. Torres‐Pérez, J. S. Keogh. 2019. How mountains shape biodiversity: The role of the Andes in biogeography,... [Read More]

PhD projects in evolutionary and sensory ecology

University of Sydney

July 27, 2018

Projects: The Evolutionary and Sensory Ecology Lab at The University of Sydney is seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic students looking to pursue a PhD. Potential topics are diverse, though well-defined projects exist around questions of (1) the evolution and ecology of dynamic visual communication, using model butterflies (2) the coevolution of sensory systems and visual signals, combining broad-scale field work and experimental evolution, and (3) the optics, function, and evolution of iridescence. Students will be strongly encouraged to develop their own research agendas within these broader contexts, and will ultimately integrate observational, experimental, and theoretical approaches to test... [Read More]

PhD projects in developmental plasticity and maternal effects

Noble Lab (ANU, Canberra)

July 25, 2018

Expression of interest sought for potential Ph.D. project at The Australian National University: Interaction between maternal effects and thermal developmental plasticity in shaping the pace-of-life in a widespread Australian lizard The Project: The Noble lab at the ANU is seeking expressions of interest from high-quality candidates interested in pursuing a PhD exploring the links between metabolism, thermal plasticity and maternal effects in an Australian lizard. Field and lab experiments will be designed to test both predictions and assumptions stemming from pace-of-life theory and the metabolic theory of ecology. There is ample flexibility for the candidate to develop and pursue... [Read More]

PhD scholarship in developmental plasticity

Schwanz Lab (UNSW, Sydney)

June 7, 2018

Project: Developmental temperatures as drivers of phenotypic change. Environmental temperatures have a profound impact on developing animals. The Schwanz Lab has been quantifying the role of developmental temperature in shaping phenotypic variation in reptiles, and how this impacts populations in changing climates. We are looking for a PhD student to examine plasticity in response to developmental temperatures, plasticity’s role in creating phenotypic variation, and the influence on population response to environmental change. Potential projects include: Quantifying temperature-based developmental plasticity across animal taxa. Quantifying and comparing other sources of developmental plasticity (e.g. maternal diet and oviposition behavior). Analyzing reaction... [Read More]

PhD opportunity!

Lord Howe Island Stick Insects (ANU, Canberra)

February 25, 2018

The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect, thought to be extinct but recently rediscovered, has become emblematic of the dangers faced by island species in the face of anthropogenic change. A planned reintroduction effort aims to rescue this species, one of the rarest insects in the world, from the brink of extinction. This project aims to assess the genetic diversity of the re-discovered population, currently maintained in a captive breeding program, and aid the development of plans for release. The project will combine cutting-edge molecular techniques and innovative approaches to genotyping of unusual material (historical and non-destructively sampled in the field)... [Read More]

PhD opportunity!

Chapple lab (Monash U., Victoria)

October 6, 2017

A PhD project is available from 2018 in David Chapple’s Evolutionary Ecology of Environmental Change research group at Monash University. The Chapple Lab uses field studies, field- and lab-based experiments, comparative analyses, morphological analyses and molecular approaches to examine the impact of past, current, and future environmental change on phenotype, life-history and distribution, with squamate reptiles as model systems. The successful student will be able to develop a project in one the lab’s two main research areas: Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology of the Delicate skink (Lampropholis delicata). Lizard Macroecology. See the full advertisement for further details.... [Read More]

AES 2017!

Conference (Hobart, Tasmania)

September 19, 2017

The Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology Research (BEER) group, the Theoretical Phylogenetics group and The University of Tasmania is excited to host this years Australasian Evolution Society Meeting. The meeting will be held in Hobart, Tasmania from the 4th to the 6th of December, 2017 and will be run in conjunction with the annual Phylomania conference (6th to the 8th of December). For full details, take a look at the conference website, and keep an eye on it for updates. [Read More]

PhD Opportunities (Max Planck Institute for Ornithology)

Evolution & ecology of animal culture

August 26, 2017

We are seeking two PhD students to join an exciting research group studying the ecology and evolution of animal culture (supervisor. Dr. Lucy Aplin), based at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Germany. The PhD positions are available to work either on laboratory experiments of cultural evolution in birds or on the cultural ecology of urban parrots, and will include opportunities for fieldwork in Germany and Australia, in collaboration with Dr. John Martin (RBG Sydney/UNSW). The positions are for 3.5 years fully funded with a competitive salary, and are open for applicants from any nationality. Expressions of interest close Oct... [Read More]

PhD Opportunity (U. Melb)

Biology and optics of the near-infrared

July 18, 2017

PhD Project Commencing 2018 The Stuart-Fox lab is seeking a PhD student to join an interdisciplinary project involving thermal adaptations, colour, near-infrared reflectance properties, and nano-structures in beetles. The project is funded by the Hermon Slade Foundation and the University of Melbourne. We are particularly keen to recruit students with a background or interest in the interface between biology and optical physics. Project description Animals have evolved remarkable and unique ways of controlling light (e.g. fluorescence, iridescence). Until now, biologists have focused almost exclusively on how ultraviolet (UV) and human-visible wavelengths are manipulated to produce the diversity of colours... [Read More]

Conference

ASSAB 2017 (Melbourne, Jul 19-22)

April 19, 2017

Registration is open for the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour’s conference in July 2017! See the society website for full details. The early-bird deadline is 21 April, and is all-inclusive of registration, on-site accommodation, and food. Look forward to seeing you! ASSAB 2017 Date: Wed 19th July to Saturday 22nd July. Venue: Foothills Conference Centre, Melbourne, Victoria. [Read More]

Volunteer Opportunities

Emu mating systems (Western Sydney University)

February 4, 2017

As part of a project on the mating system of the emu, Julia Ryeland from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is calling for volunteers to assist in three separate aspects of the project. A brief description of each aspect is detailed on the attached flyers, as well as details of how you can be involved. Please feel free to further advertise this to whomever you think may be interested, and don’t hesitate to email (Julia.Ryeland[at]westernsydney.edu.au) if you have any further questions. Position 1: Emu population counts Position 2: Emu tracking Position 3: Emu handling... [Read More]

Postdoctoral Opportunity

Mitochondrial genetic variation and life-history evolution (Dowling Lab, Monash Uni.)

January 5, 2017

Research in Damian Dowling’s laboratory is focused on the role the mitochondrial genome plays in evolutionary adaptation and in the evolution of sex differences. Maternal inheritance of the mitochondrial genome renders the mitochondrial DNA vulnerable to the accumulation of mutations that are harmful to males, but neutral or beneficial to females. We seek a talented and highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our laboratory group, to study the contribution that mitochondrial genetic variation makes to mediating sex-specific trajectories of life-history evolution. The project will integrate experimental techniques in evolutionary ecology, genomics and evolutionary physiology. The closing date for applications is... [Read More]

PhD Opportunities

Sexual performance & nutrigenomics in the Queensland fruit-fly (Macquarie U. & CSIRO)

December 2, 2016

Two exciting PhD scholarships are available to work on either sexual performance and competitiveness or nutrigenomics in the Queensland fruitfly, in collaboration with Prof. Phil Taylor (Macquarie University), Dr. John Oakeshott (CSIRO), and Dr. Ronald Lee (MU/CSIRO). Expressions of interest close early January, 2017. See the associated flyers for the sexual performance and nutrigenomics positions for full details. [Read More]

Taming the BEAST

Phylogenetics summer school & annual NZ Phylogenomics meeting (U. Auckland)

October 28, 2016

Phylogenetics and phylodynamics are central topics in modern biology. Phylogenetic inferences reconstruct the evolutionary relationships between organisms, whereas phylodynamic inferences reveal the dynamics that lead to the observed relationships. These two fields have many practical applications in disciplines such as epidemiology, developmental biology, paleontology, ecology and even linguistics. However phylogenetics and phylodynamics are complex and fast-evolving fields. As such, inference tools are not easily accessible to researchers who are not from a computational background. Taming the BEAST in the South Pacific is a week-long summer school to be held on scenic Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand and organised by the... [Read More]

PhD Opportunity

Evolutionary dynamics in a globally significant Eucalyptus lineage (U. TAS)

October 4, 2016

An exciting opportunity exists for a highly motivated student to join biologists and mathematicians at UTAS to tease apart the different processes that contribute to the complex evolutionary dynamics of Australia’s iconic eucalypts. Our recent research into the phylogenetic relationships among eucalypts, using genome-wide markers and multiple geographically widespread samples, has revealed numerous puzzling discrepancies, most likely due to recent radiation, incomplete lineage sorting of given genomic markers, and/or reticulate (non-tree-like) evolution. However, these evolutionary processes are difficult to distinguish, and the relative contribution of each is likely to vary across the continent and among groups of species. This... [Read More]

PhD Opportunities

Behavioural evolution (MQ)

September 26, 2016

Exciting opportunities to participate in research aimed at discovering unconventional routes to adaptation We seek up to three highly motivated PhD students to join a research program focused on the causal dynamics of behavioural evolution. Fully-sponsored opportunities exist for domestic Australian and international candidates in the context of two broader projects: Thermal preference across life stages in the Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) In Australia, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has recently been engaged to control the horticultural pest Bactrocera tryoni (Queensland fruit fly or “Q-fly”). SIT offers a sustainable control measure provided that released (sterile) stock are viable and... [Read More]

PhD Opportunity

Mechanisms of colour production and evolution of animal signals (U Melb)

September 19, 2016

We are seeking a PhD student to work on an ARC-funded project starting in 2017, investigating how stress affects both pigment deposition and nano-structures of cells and tissues which together produce colour. The mechanisms underlying colour production have fundamental implications for the costs and constraints on colour signals. This project will investigate how diverse colours are produced in reptiles and the information these colours convey about individual health, condition and performance. This PhD project provides opportunity to develop a broad range of skills including electron microscopy, pigment biochemistry, endocrinology, optical modelling, and experience working on lizards in the field and... [Read More]

PhD Opportunity

The genetics of species differentiation and hybridisation in Eucalyptus (U TAS)

September 15, 2016

An exciting opportunity is available for a highly motivated student to join the Eucalypt Genetics Group at UTAS in a new project that uses state-of-the-art genomic technologies to characterise genomic regions important for speciation and adaptation in Australia’s iconic eucalypts. The project will investigate the importance of hybridisation between species, especially during range expansion and contraction. Up to $30,000 in running costs will be funded by a recently awarded ARC Discovery Grant. A major international effort has recently seen a eucalypt become the second forest tree genome sequenced. The PhD project links the expanding international knowledge on the eucalypt... [Read More]

PhD Opportunity

Antarctic mosses (ANU)

June 1, 2016

A motivated student is sought for an exciting PhD project on Antarctic mosses. The project will use genetic techniques (exon capture) to look at the evolutionary history of mosses in Antarctica, including whether volcanoes allowed them to survive past ice ages on the icy continent, and whether they can effectively disperse long distances. Some field work in Antarctica may be possible as part of this project, but many samples are already available, ensuring initial results can be obtained rapidly regardless of field opportunities. The student should have a background in biology, an interest in Antarctic science, and first-class Honours or... [Read More]

PhD Opportunities

Fruit Fly Sexual Performance (Macquarie University)

May 16, 2016

Three PhD opportunities are available on projects investigating pre-and post-copulatory sexual performance of Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni, aka ‘Qfly’). Each of these projects is part of a significant collaboration between Macquarie University’s Department of Biological Sciences and Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Projects include: Polyandry and paternity patterns, Mediation of mating-induced sexual inhibition Genetics and genomics of reproductive fitness Enquiries are welcome, and interested applicants are encouraged to make initial informal contact before applying. Interested applicants should email a letter of interest, academic transcripts, curriculum vitae and the names and contact information of three... [Read More]

ASSAB Conference

Early-bird registration & travel grants closing soon

May 3, 2016

Early-bird registration for the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour’s (ASSAB) 2016 conference is closing this Friday the 6th of May. It’s being held at the Carrington Hotel, Katoomba from July 5-8, and promises to be an excellent event, so get in quick! Full details can be found here. Applications for the student research grants close June 6, with the winners announced at the conference. See here for further information. [Read More]

PhD Scholarship

The evolution of plasticity during a biological invasion (Deakin University)

April 17, 2016

A PhD scholarship on invasion ecology is available in the Rollins lab in the Centre for Integrative Ecology at Deakin University. Project: Organisms can deal with novel challenges by changing their phenotype in response to environmental cues (plasticity) and/or by longer-term changes in gene frequencies within a population (adaption). Plasticity itself can be adaptive; so how does it evolve? Invasive species offer a unique opportunity to answer that question, because a founding population (with typically modest genetic variation) must deal with novel challenges in its new environment. Using the cane toad invasion in Australia as our model system,... [Read More]

Volunteer Field Assistant Sought

Fairy-wrens in south-west WA

April 8, 2016

I am looking for dedicated field assistants to help monitor a population of red-winged fairy-wrens in south-west Australia from 10 October 2016 to 16 January 2017 as part of an on-going study on cooperation and competition. The study is based at Smithbrook Nature Reserve in one of the 35 biodiversity hotspots of the world! Duties include searching for nests, monitoring colour-ringed birds, behavioural observations, mist netting and data entry. Working days are long, start early and consist of lots of hiking through dense forest with occasional encounters with venomous snakes. Applicants must be physically fit and have outstanding hearing and... [Read More]

Upcoming Course

Introduction to linear mixed effects models and GLMM with R

March 20, 2016

Deakin University (Burwood Campus, Melbourne) are hosting a statistics course entitled “Introduction to Linear Mixed Effects Models and GLMM with R: Bayesian and frequentist approaches”. It will be lead by Dr. Alain Zuur & and Dr. Elena Ieno, and will run from the 4 - 8 July, 2016. The course starts with a basic introduction to linear mixed effects models, followed by an introduction to Bayesian statistics, MCMC and generalised linear mixed effects models (GLMM) to analyse nested (also called hierarchical or clustered) data, e.g. multiple observations from the same animal, site, area, nest, patient, hospital, vessel, lake, hive,... [Read More]

PhD Scholarship

Agriculture on Christmas Island

February 10, 2016

An opportunity is available for an energetic PhD student to participate in the Australian Research Council funded Project: Transition from phosphate mining to an economically, environmentally and socially viable agricultural industry on Christmas Island (LP140100690). The student will work under the supervision of Professors Giles Hardy, Jen McComb, Graham O’Hara and John Howieson, in the School of Veterinary and Life Sciences at Murdoch University. Whilst the project is Murdoch-based, travel to Christmas Island will take place on a regular basis. Scholarship: Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $25,849 per annum. Additional funding is available for project costs... [Read More]

Postdoc

Research fellow in plant ecological genetics

February 3, 2016

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University is seeking to appoint an energetic academic to a Level A position within the Plant, Animal, and Interactions theme. This 3-year, full-time, postdoctoral fellowship will focus on research related to understanding the capacity of trees to respond to climate change, and determining the importance of genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. The successful applicant will lead the molecular analyses from experimental design to bioinformatic and population genomic analyses. Molecular analyses will be linked to plant trait, growth and physiological responses of genotypes grown under contrasting rainfall environments in provenance trials in... [Read More]

PhD Scholarship

Evolution of exaggerated male weaponry in harvestmen

February 1, 2016

School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand Supervisor: Dr Greg Holwell $27,000 NZD per year for 3 years. I invite suitably motivated and dedicated applicants to apply for a fully funded PhD scholarship to work on the evolution of extreme male weaponry in New Zealand harvestmen (Opiliones). Males from the genera Pantopsalis and Forsteropsalis possess among the most exaggerated weapons in the animal kingdom. Their chelicerae can comprise 50% of their body weight and in some species are polymorphic with males displaying either elongated or short broad forms within the same population. The specific details of the student’s... [Read More]