World Summit on Evolution

Galapagos, Ecuador

June 2005

The World Summit on Evolution was held 9-12 June, 2005, in Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago, the islands that helped spark Darwin’s revolutionary ideas that changed how we view the Earth and all of its species. The concept of evolution has itself evolved. Through a series of presentations and discussions the outstanding leaders in evolutionary science were asked the big questions: What is the evidence for the theory of evolution? How has each field and their respective approaches deepened our understating? And where are the future horizons? Bringing together international experts and students for debate in this supremely special location helped us answer these questions and hopefully lead to decisions that will shape the direction of evolutionary science in the foreseeable future.

The Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) hosted this conference to celebrate the opening of its Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) and to further its academic mission and the promotion of conservation of the Islands. GAIAS was established in 2002 overlooking the bay of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on the Island of San Cristóbal. This 4.5 hectare site is the only university campus on these historically significant islands. GAIAS was founded on the principle that beyond being a college and center for the promotion and advancement of evolutionary science in Ecuador, it will become a first-rate institution for international students and researchers. This Summit was planned as the first in a series of scientific meetings and occurred within a broader program designed to teach evolution to elementary and secondary school students that took place throughout that year in Ecuador.

The conference consisted of short presentations followed by questions, then an open discussion amongst the speakers and participants. The program was held in the municipal lecture hall. Attendance was limited to about 190 participants, the maximum who can be accommodated in GAIAS dormitories and in local hotels. Scientists active in the study of evolution from the origins of life to the evolution of humans were invited to speak on the first day. Evidence for evolutionary change was the focus of the second day. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to tour regions of particular scientific interest on the island and in other parts of the archipelago on the third day. The major contemporary problems in evolutionary science were discussed on the final day.

Participation was by invitation only so that a diverse and qualified assembly was assured. Scientists were chosen from throughout the world to be speakers and share what they have learned. An emphasis was made to have all major groups of life represented. Commentators who have made equal contributions to their fields but with differing views to those of the speakers are invited so that the spectrum of debate was represented. When possible, a further aspect in the preference of the commentators was that they studied organisms other than those of the speakers. Chairs of each session were selected for their contributions to evolution and for their ability to lead discussions. Participants also included Ecuadorian scientists, biologists from abroad who have had much interaction with USFQ and its Amazonian field station (Tiputini Biodiversity Station), historians and philosophers of evolution, other active researchers, and public science writers.

Graduate students were an integral part of this conference. Student participation was envisioned to be an investment in the future for the evolution of this science. A fair, competitive process was employed to select students for whom the experience would be meaningful and related to their current and future research. Each of the main speakers submitted up to three names of graduate students whom they think show great promise. A committee comprised of conference organizers choose one amongst the candidates on each list. Six places were also reserved for Ecuadorian students, either currently at an Ecuadorian university or abroad, who will be selected from submitted applications. The chosen students were required to submit posters of their current work. The poster session was held on the second night.

Many conferences have debated evolution. However, a broader study of different types of organisms, new methods, and a flood of recent data stimulates a new consideration of the entire province of this now vast subject. The Summit differed from society meetings and other evolution conferences in important ways. There was a commitment to include speakers and other participants from throughout the world. This aspect will contribute to a more comprehensive cultural, as well as intellectual, diversity. There was an emphasis short presentations that will impel debate so that the commentators, students, other participants can join in. Also, the major fields of evolutionary biology were represented. The proceedings will be distributed as a well-edited book, to be published by a university press or other academic publisher in both English and Spanish.