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Institute of Evolutionary Science of Montpellier

The ISEM Story: From Origins to Milestones

About ISEM

The Institute of Evolutionary Science of Montpellier (ISEM) is a research institution focusing on biodiversity origins, dynamics and the associated evolutionary mechanisms and processes.
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articles published yearly
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PhD thesis defences / 5 years
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Research at ISEM

Field, experimental and theoretical research on fundamental evolutionary biology issues concerns both current and past biodiversity, while encompassing a broad range of organisms and environments. This fundamental research dovetails with applied and predictive research on a major 21st century scientific and social issue in interaction with the humanities, medicine and society – to what extent is biodiversity able to cope with global change?
Research areas
Research departments & teams
Publications

Science for all

Are you interested in biological evolution and ecology but not a specialist? Here you will find podcasts, films, videos, books and events that discuss our research and how it relates to current scientific and social issues such as the biodiversity crisis, human medicine, animal health and climate change.
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#evolution

Latest news

… oneline

Krishna Girish interviewed
by PLOS Climate
PLOS Blogs, Sept. 2026

… oneline

Laurence Meslin
Mussel cancer
Collection ESPECE DE – Open Science

… by press release

Mathieu Pélissié 
Detecting declines in fish stocks would help prevent the collapse of fisheries
Univ. Montp. Sept. 2026

… oneline

Eve Davidian
When mothers make the winners: How alpha female lineages dominate hyena clans
Phys.org, July 2026

CNRS Crystal Medal 2026

Sébastien Gibert, ISEM Administrator
Structuring and strengthening research support.
CNRS, June 2026

CNRS Bronze Medal 2026

Christelle Fraisse, a researcher in the Sexe & Spéciation team, explores the mechanisms underlying the evolution and diversification of species.
CNRS, June 2026

All news

Next events

13/11/2026 at 2.30 p.m.

PhD thesis defence

Julien Offresson
Could assisted gene flow prevent extinction in a threatened species with a complex life-cycle ? Theoretical and experimental studies of evolutionary and genetic rescue of the endangered species Centaurea corymbosa.

20/10/2026 at 9 a.m.

PhD thesis defence

Rémi Noraz
Viticulture has played a major role in European history, yet its evolution, the diversity of cultivated grapevines, and their relationships with wild populations remain only partially understood.

All events

One of ISEM's primary missions is to train future generations of researchers, teachers and experts in evolutionary biology, ecology and biodiversity sciences.

Education & training

ISEM offers research internships and PhD theses throughout the year
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