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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

CNRS Crystal Medal 2026

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

Médaille de bronze du CNRS 2026

Christelle Fraisse, chercheuse dans l’équipe Sexe & Spéciation, explore les mécanismes de l’évolution et de la diversification des espèces.
CNRS, Juin, 2026

… oneline

Eve Davidian
One rank to rule them all? No, rank metrics need to be trait-specific to fully explain hierarchies in hyena clans
Leibniz-IZW, Mai 2026

… oneline

Portrait of Isabelle Olivieri: Her scientific and civic commitment has earned her significant symbolic recognition today
University of Montpellier, March 2026

… online

Pleuni Pennings quoted in a Nature article for her move from the United States to France, to ISEM
Nature, Fev. 2026

… online

Isabelle Olivieri, the first professor of population genetics at the University of Montpellier in 1993, will be among the 72 female scientists featured on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.

All news

Next events

3-4 September 2026

Exposome & Health Ecology Summer School 2026

29/06/2026 at 2 p.m.

PhD thesis defence

Marie Haut-Labourdette
Pollen-based reconstruction of NE Brazil landscapes during the Late Pleistocene human occupation

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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