In 2009 we celebrate the 150th and 200th anniversaries of Darwin’s birth and the publication of "The Origin of Species".

 

Darwin’s theory is one of the most revolutionary theories in science and Western thought. Darwin’s work contradicted two prevailing views: 1) that species are not static specially created by a supernatural entity, but the result of a long evolutionary history along which species changed from ancestral forms and 2) that changes can be accounted for by the action of natural mechanisms. Puttng together the concepts of random variation and natural selection, Darwin offered to the World an explanation for the processes of life.

 

HIs ideas about natural history and diversity (even the origin of our own species) transformed, not only life sciences but also philosophy.

 

In this sense the first objective of the Symposium is to pay tribute to Charles Darwin by means of conferences and workshops delivered by influential and prominent specialists in the field of evolutionary studies from Europe and America.

 

The specific aims of the meeting are:

• Create a forum to discuss recent conceptual and empirical achievements, local and universal, of the sciencies dedicated to study different aspects of Evolution.
• Organize conferences, symposia and workshops concerning main issues in Evolution.
• Generate a space of ‘rendez vous’ for researchers in the ample field of Evolution, to discuss achievements, concerns and problems in the local and regional areas
• Encourage the active participation of undergraduates, graduate students and young scientists interested in the field and the interaction with researchers recognized as local, regional and international leaders in the field
• Promote the creation of a Regional Society of Evolutionary Biology with the aim to strengthten the bonds between local, Mercosur and rest of America coleagues and articulate activities with similar societies like the Society for the Study of Evolution (EEUU) and the European Society of Evolutionary Biology.
• Contribute to the continuing education of science teachers of all levels of the national educational system, with the aim to promote the development of innovative strategies for teaching the Evolutionary Theory.