Symposium Biological Time: From Molecules to Evolution
28-29 September 2026
Overview
Biological Time: From Molecules to Evolution
Time is fundamental to all biological processes — from the molecular oscillations governing gene expression to the evolutionary timescales shaping species. This symposium will explore the many temporal dimensions of life, examining how biological systems measure, respond to, and are constrained by time.
We will move from the precise developmental tempos orchestrating embryogenesis, through the cyclical rhythms that maintain homeostasis in living systems, to the temporal disruptions associated with aging and disease. Bringing together leading researchers from developmental biology, biophysics, chronobiology, systems biology, and computational oncology, the symposium aims to foster new perspectives on how time shapes living systems across scales.
The meeting will take place on September 28–29, 2026 at the Auditorium MareNostrum.
The symposium follows the collaborative spirit of the Barcelona Collaboratorium, combining scientific excellence with strong integration of early-career researchers through discussion sessions, networking opportunities, and community-building activities.
Scientific Organisers
Speakers
Programme
Day 1 – September 28, 2026 (PROVISIONAL)
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14:00 |
🖋️ Registration, MNT Auditorium Torre MareNostrum - Edificio B, piso 7 - Placa del gas, 1 - 08003, Barcelona |
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14:15 |
WELCOME AND PRESENTATION by James Sharpe (Collaboratorium - EMBL Barcelona) |
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Session I: The Beginning of Life
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| 18:20 | END OF DAY I by James Sharpe (EMBL Barcelona) |
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19:00 |
Reception and Networking at the Collaboratorium — Registration mandatory for external participants. Barcelona Collaboratorium |
Day 2 - September 29, 2026 (PROVISIONAL)
| 09:00 |
🖋️ Registration, MNT Auditorium Torre MareNostrum - Edificio B, piso 7 - Placa del gas, 1 - 08003, Barcelona |
| 09:15 |
SUMMARY OF DAY 1 AND INTRODUCTION TO DAY 2 |
Session II: Time and Function – Systems in Balance
Session III: Aging – When Time is Perturbed
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| 17:00 |
End of Day II - CLOSING REMARKS by James Sharpe (Collaboratorium - EMBL Barcelona) |
Time, Aging and Society: Rethinking Healthy Longevity
Beyond the scientific symposium, a public debate will be organised the following week to engage the citizens of Barcelona in discussions around healthy aging and the role of science in understanding aging processes.
The discussion will bring together experts from complementary fields to address evidence-based advances and current limitations in aging research, how scientific findings should be interpreted responsibly, and how this knowledge may inform personal and societal decisions related to healthy aging.
In 2026, the debate will take place within the cultural programme accompanying the temporary exhibition “The Invention of Time” at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona (Centre Martorell d’Exposicions), providing a unique framework to connect biological research on aging with broader reflections on time in science and society.
The event will be free and open to the general public.
Call for abstracts
By registering, you will have the opportunity to submit an abstract to present a poster at the Conference. The best abstracts will be selected for presentation as short talks during the Symposium. PhD students and postdoctoral researchers are particularly encouraged to submit an abstract.
Please submit your abstract by August 31.
Contact and venue
Venue
Auditorium MareNostrum
Plaça del Gas 1 - Torre A
08003 Barcelona, Spain
Practical Information
Accommodation near the venue
Practical information
Accommodation near the venue:
Useful links:
Supported by:
