From: Lien Van Speybroeck <[log in to unmask]> Dear all, hereby I would like to inform you on an upcoming symposium organized by the Research Community on Evolution and Complexity (chair: Prof. Dr. GertrudisVan de Vijver, Ghent University & FWO Flanders, Belgium). The symposium is titled "Contextualizing the Genome: the role of Epigeneticsin Genetics, Development and Evolution" and will be held in November 2001, Ghent, Belgium. It promises to be a unique event, where philosophers of biology (some making a link to the history of biology) will try to meetmolecular biologists and epigeneticists and vice versa on a most fascinating topic. In attachment, please find a word-document with further information,including the conference-website which holds a link to the abstracts. With most kind regards, Lien V.S. on behalf of the organizing committee of the RCEC -- EVOLUTION & COMPLEXITY Scientific Research Community, FWO - Flanders International Interdisciplinary Symposium organized by Lien Van Speybroeck, Gertrudis Van de Vijver, Dani De Waele, Denis Thieffry Research Unit on Evolution and Complexity - Ghent University 25-28 November 2001 Ghent University - Het Pand - Belgium Contextualizing the Genome: the Role of Epigenetics in Genetics, Development & Evolution Gene expression depends on various of its surrounding contexts (from intracellular to environmental). However, can any of these contexts be seen as more crucial than others in determining gene expression? Are they to be seen as mutually determining? What is their respective impact on the development and evolution of living beings? These problems of genomic context will be explored from within epigenetics. Going 'beyond' a strict gene-centrism, epigenetics studies heritable changes in gene function that cannot be explained by changes in DNA sequence. Leading researchers in epigenetics and philosophers of science are asked (i) to reflect upon the biological relevance of recent epigenetic experiments, and (ii) to investigate the implications of epigenetics for the existing philosophical and scientific models and views on more advanced theories on molecular genetics, developmental biology and evolutionary theory. Speakers Eva JABLONKA (Israel), Marion LAMB (UK), Anna DEPICKER (Belgium), Jurek PASZKOWSKI (CH), Marjori MATZKE (Austria), James GRIESEMER (USA), Denis THIEFFRY (France), James SHAPIRO (USA), Richard VON STERNBERG (USA), Eörs SZATMARY (Hungary Denise BARLOW (Austria), Alan WOLFFE (USA), Richard JORGENSEN (USA), Vicky CHANDLER (USA), Mary ALLEMAN (USA), Frederick MEINS, Jr. (CH), Richard FLAVELL (USA), David BAULCOMBE (UK), Bernhard STRAUSS (Austria), Miroslaw RADMAN (France), Evelyn FOX KELLER (USA), Michel MORANGE (France), William WIMSATT (USA), Gerd MÜLLER (Austria), Scott GILBERT (USA) and a public lecture by the author of "The Ovary of Eve" Clara PINTO-CORREIA (Portugal) Organization Lectures up to 30 minutes. Short discussion after each lecture, general discussion at the end of each session. Sessions arranged per theme rather than per discipline. Possibility to submit posters until 1 October 2001. Registration fee, incl. book of abstracts & coffee: USD 100 or BEF 4.000 (students: USD 25 or BEF 1.000). Scientific Programme Committee Werner CALLEBAUT, Konrad Lorenz Institut for Evolution and Cognition Research (Austria) Geert DE JAEGER, Dept. of Molecular Genetics, Ghent University (Belgium) Anna DEPICKER, Dept. of Molecular Genetics, Ghent University (Belgium) Bernard FELTZ, Dept. of Philosophy of Science, Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium) Helena VAN HOUDT, Dept. of Molecular Genetics, Ghent University (Belgium) Walter VERRAES, Dept. of Biology, Ghent University (Belgium) Marc ZABEAU, Dept. of Molecular Genetics, Ghent University (Belgium) Registration & Information Deadline for registration (300 places): 1 October 2001 Electronic registration & on-line programme information on WWW at: http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~gvdvyver/ (see under "news") Contact address: Lien Van Speybroeck Ghent University, Dept. of Philosophy & Moral Science Blandijnberg 2 (room 210), B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Fax: +32 (09) 264 41 97 - E-mail: [log in to unmask] -- Lien Van Speybroeck Ghent University Dept. Philosophy & Moral Science Blandijnberg 2 - Room 210 B-9000 Ghent tel.: +32 (0)9 264 39 69 fax: +32 (0)9 264 41 97 e-mail: [log in to unmask]