Satellite events

With the rapid advancement of molecular biology and the surge in publicly available DNA sequence data, phylogenetic methods have become indispensable in modern biology. From taxonomy and systematics to historical biogeography, DNA-based phylogenies are routinely employed to explore and resolve evolutionary relationships. However, the generation of sequence data alone is not enough, because accurate inferences require appropriate analytical approaches grounded in a solid understanding of phylogenetic principles.

This workshop is designed for early-career researchers, students, and faculty members who are interested in learning the fundamentals of molecular phylogenetics. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on sessions, participants will gain an understanding of tree-building methods and the interpretation of phylogenies in an evolutionary framework. The goal is to bridge the gap between data generation and meaningful evolutionary inference.

Whether you are just starting with phylogenetic analysis or looking to strengthen your foundations, this workshop will provide the conceptual clarity and practical skills needed to make your data count.

Resource persons:  Dr. Aniruddha Datta-Roy (NISER Bhubaneswar) and Dr. Maitreya Sil (JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University))

Date: October 29, 2025

Venue: IISER Berhampur campus 

Registration: Limited seats available. No registraion cost. Rs.500/- to be paid to cover accommodation and food charges. 

More details to be updated here closer to the event. 

Nature journaling—drawing, observing and writing about the natural world—is an age-old practice that many of us began as children, often without realizing its value. Whether during picnics with family or outdoor drawing sessions in local parks, this act of quietly watching and documenting nature helped us to connect more deeply with our surroundings.

In Today’s fast-paced lives, this practice has faded. People often prioritize photography over observation or focus solely on writing field notes during their ecological research. But integrating drawing —even simple sketches— along with the field notes can vividly enhance our attention and memory, fostering a more mindful connection to the environment.

This session aims to reintroduce nature journaling as a meditative, enriching ecological tool. Participants will engage in quiet observation, sketching and note-taking, helping them discover overlooked details of landscapes, plants and animals. More than a scientific method, this is a way to slow down, observe with intent and develop a deeper ecological

consciousness.

Resource persons: Dr. Arijit Chatterjee (Asutosh College, Kolkata)

Requirements: Sketchbook, Drawing Pen, Pencil, Eraser, Colour pen etc. and love for art, ecology and evolution.

Venue: I n and around IISER Berhampur campus and nearby beach

Set 1 Date: October 31, 2025, 7 am Onwards

Set 2 Date: November 1, 2025, 7 am Onwards

To conserve nature, it is essential to understand the fundamental concepts of ecology and evolution. In recent years, the approach to conservation has become more holistic and participatory, yet it often remains restricted to researchers and activists. With growing ecological challenges, it is now more important than ever to raise awareness about the value of conserving nature and to make this practices genuinely inclusive and community-driven. Here art can be a powerful medium to spread knowledge and raise awareness about ecology, evolution, conservation of biodiversity and other environmental issues, irrespective of socio-economic and academic boundaries and more importantly, linguistic barriers. 

Communicating through art is not new, from the ancient Bhimbetka cave paintings to various tribal folk arts, the importance of nature has long been communicated through artistic expression. This in-house hands-on workshop aims to introduce young, enthusiastic ecologists and evolutionary biologists to art as a medium of communication, facilitating them to express their ideas creatively and convey the critical concepts of ecology and evolution more lucidly to wider audiences.

Resource persons: Dr. Arijit Chatterjee (Asutosh College, Kolkata)

Requirements: Sketchbook, Drawing Pen, Pencil, Eraser, Colour pen etc. and love for art,

ecology and evolution.

Venue: IISER Berhampur

Date: November 2, 2025, 10 am Onwards