The Invasomics Hub recently hosted the very first conference focused solely on invasion genomics! The meeting was held both in-person and virtually, uniting over 50 brilliant scientists from across the globe to share exciting research emerging from the field.
Group photo at the end of day one. The University of Waikato campus (Hamilton, New Zealand) made for a very beautiful venue. (Photo is credited to staff at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts).
The main aim of the conference was to discuss the role of the genome in biological invasion. The presentation lineup was engaging and fascinating, with talks that targeted the genomics of invasion for many unique species and geographic areas. The four major themes discussed were: global spread/threats/pathways, eco-evolutionary processes, technologies, and future directions (you can find the full conference programme here).
Left image: Dr Eli Parvizi presents her research using genome-wide scanning methods to detect outlier SNPs related to insecticide resistance in the brown marmorated stink bug. You can read more about Eli’s research here. Right image: Dr Tristan Dennis presents his award-winning poster on how the impact of control measures of Anopheles gambiae in Southern Ghana can be revealed using population genomics. (Photos are credited to Ang McGaughran).
We were also extremely lucky to have two amazing plenaries - Prof Neil Gemmill and Assoc Prof Lee Ann Rollins; as well as four marvellous keynote speakers - Assoc Scientist Carolyn Tepolt, Assist Prof Kathryn Turner, Assoc Prof Rob Colautti, and Prof Dianne Gleeson. These talks were absolutely fantastic and aligned to the main themes; ranging from how genomics can be considered the Swiss army knife for biosecurity to how eDNA can be applied for invasive species surveillance and detection.
Associate Professor Lee Ann Rollins gives a captivating plenary on the invasion genomics of two notoriously invasive species - the cane toad and starling (Photo is credited to Ang McGaughran).
At the end of the second night, we enjoyed each other’s company over a delicious 3-course plated meal in Te Whare Tāpere Iti at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts (University of Waikato). Congratulations to the award winners - Dr Katarina Stewart (best oral presentation), Paige Matheson (runner-up oral presentation), and Dr Tristan Dennis (best poster)!
Left image: Congratulations to Katarina for winning best oral presentation for her talk titled “Contrasting patterns of single nucleotide polymorphisms and structural variations across multiple invasions”. You can read a preprint of Katarina’s super interesting paper here. Right image: We wrapped up two days of presentations with a fabulous dinner. (Photos are credited to Ang McGaughran).
The final day of the conference was dedicated to a workshop/open discussion around collaboration, training, and funding opportunities during which we brainstormed plans for a joint review paper (watch this space). We were also extremely pleased to officially launch the Invasomics Hub.
The workshop aspect of the conference inspired us to think toward the future of invasion genomics. What technologies are worth investing in? How can we get people informed and excited about genomics? (Photo is credited to Ang McGaughran).
Overall, the Invasomics conference was a smashing success! Strong community connections were made, inspiring discussions were had, and the future of invasion genomics looks bright!
Missed out? Don’t fret! All presentations are freely available to watch online here. Stay up-to-date to find out about more events like this in the future by following our Twitter - @InvasomicsHub
Many thanks to our generous sponsors for funding such a great conference.
Interested in promoting your research by contributing a guest blog? Get in touch by emailing us at invasomics@gmail.com