The European Meeting of PhD Students in Evolutionary Biology (EMPSEB) is an annual conference organised
A central part of EMPSEB is active participation and creative science communication. Every participant presents their work as a short
The alternative presentation session is designed for ideas that do not conform to the traditional conference format of slides. This session celebrates creativity, humour, and new ways of engaging with science,
so whether it's a short play, spoken word performance, live illustration, game show, music, interactive activity, stand-up comedy, interpretive dance or something completely unexpected, we want to see it!
The goal is to communicate research in a memorable, accessible and fun way.
We encourage participants to experiment with unconventional formats and incorporate their personalities and passions into their science communication. We will do our best to provide any necessary technical
equipment or logistical support to help bring these ideas to life.
In addition to the scientific programme, the conference includes social events, workshops and excursions. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet fellow evolutionary biologists from across Europe and beyond.
Sponsored by AllGenetics, this award recognises the best talk of the conference. The winner will receive a prize of
Sponsored by Evolution Letters, this award recognises the second best talk at EMPSEB 31. The winner will receive a prize of
This award, sponsored by Wiley Ecology and Evolution, recognises the third-best talk at EMPSEB 31. The winner will receive a prize of
The best poster award winner at EMPSEB 31 reveives a free workshop of their choice, courtesy of Physalia Courses.
Sponsored by Zymo Research, this award recognises the second best talk at EMPSEB 31. The winner will receive a prize of
There will be many more prizes for each category!
To attend EMPSEB 31, participants must be enrolled as PhD students at the time of the conference. Preference is given to students who did not attend previous editions of EMPSEB.
The registration fee is
• Accommodation at the AHORN Hotel for the duration of the conference
• Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and tea/coffee breaks
• Shuttle bus services during the meeting
• Access to all conference activities and social events
Registration fee is strictly not refundable, except for a select few cases at our discretion of circumstantial travel issues or serious medical concerns.
Please check your emails (and spam folders) for our registration invites and updates!
ESEB is offering our participants the Conference Travel Award 2026 for underrepresented nationalities and the The Congress Attendance Aid (CAA) Grant for minorities in science to support their travel expenses! Check your eligibility
and how to apply here and here respectively.
Remember, the deadline for applying for these travel grants is
One grant of €500 will be awarded by the Società Italiana di Biologia Evoluzionistica (SIBE) to a PhD student who is a SIBE member. If you are a SIBE member and wish to apply, please contact the SIBE secretariat at evoluzione@sibe-iseb.it.