Origins and Diversification of Life Workshop Series

This two-part meeting series happening Sept. 22-25 explores one of science's biggest questions: how life emerged on Earth and evolved into increasingly complex forms. Sessions examine life's origins as a distinct scientific discipline and the role of compartmentalization in biological innovation. These meetings are satellite events of Georgia Tech Space Week.

Part 2 of this meeting series is LIFE RCN hosted! It is entitled “Diversification of Life”.

A turning point in the history of life occurred when populations of self-replicating molecules crossed the Darwinian Threshold to cellularity. This most consequential of evolutionary transitions opened the door to the evolution of biocomplexity at all scales, from molecules to ecosystems. The hallmark of this transition was the enclosure of self-replicating molecular systems within a boundary, one that enabled natural selection to foster diversification driven by biochemical and morphological innovation within and between compartments. 

Compartmentalization is a principle by which all living systems are organized today, from colocalizing proteins and small molecules into separate phases to dividing labor within and among cells. We will explore how biology has used compartmentalization to innovate across scales from condensates to communities.

See further details here.

Submit an abstract here.

Register to attend here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to LIFE RCN co-Lead and Workshop organizer Frank Rosenzweig.