A gathering to connect science, education and artificial intelligence
AI Co-FLY brings together leading researchers, educators and students to explore how artificial intelligence and citizen science are transforming the study and conservation of biodiversity.
Over the course of this two-day event, participants will take part in keynote talks, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, panel discussions and networking sessions, providing a unique opportunity to discover innovative scientific projects and inspiring educational initiatives firsthand.
Key topics inlcude:
- Presentation of the AIDross App and the development process behind this AI-powered tool for the automatic identification and classification of Drosophila species.
- The role of artificial intelligence in genomics and bioinformatics.
- Cooperation, citizen science and the genomics of adaptation.
- Image-based AI technologies for insect biodiversity monitoring.
The programme will also feature an open session where schools, teachers and students can showcase how they are integrating artificial intelligence into their educational projects and institutions.
👥 Who should attend?
Teachers, students, and educational institutions, as well as anyone committed to educational innovation, sustainability, and citizen science.
📅 Dates and Schedule
- Friday, 18 September: 10:00–17:00
- Saturday, 19 September: 10:00–13:00
📍 Where
Barcelona Botanical Institute (CSIC–CMCNB)
Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mJpRbXuQTch1fM2E8
🎟️ Free participation
Participation is free of charge for educational institutions. However, places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
Reserve your place here:
https://forms.gle/UG8PjdP9FAvsZ6K68
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience firsthand how artificial intelligence is applied to real scientific workflows, from species identification to genomic and environmental data analysis.
PROGRAM
Confirmed Speakers:
Artificial Intelligence Applied to Genomics and Evolutionary Research
Josefa González
Principal Investigator
Functional and Evolutionary Genomics Laboratory (González Lab)
Institut Botànic de Barcelona (CSIC–CMCNB)
A specialized scientist in evolutionary genomics and environmental adaptation, also co-founder of the European Population Genomics Consortium (DrosEU). Her research focuses on understanding how organisms adapt to natural and urban environments by combining multi-omics approaches with molecular and phenotypic analyses. She is actively engaged in science communication through initiatives such as Melanogaster, Catch The Fly!. (https://gonzalezlab.es/)
Oscar Lao Grueso
Principal Investigator
Algorithms for Population Genomics Laboratory
Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC–UPF)
Focused on human population genomics, statistical genetics, and bioinformatics, Oscar Lao develops artificial intelligence tools to analyse genetic variation and population adaptation. His research aims to improve our understanding of the origins of complex diseases and the genetic factors underlying disease risk. (https://www.ibe.upf-csic.es/es/lao)
Sònia Casillas
Associate Professor and Researcher
Genomics, Bioinformatics and Evolution Research Group
Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
Sònia Casillas’ research explore genetic diversity, genetic adaptation, population genomics, and bioinformatics. She combines an extensive research career with a strong commitment to teaching (https://portalrecerca.uab.cat/es/persons/s%C3%B2nia-casillas/). She leads the educational innovation project Adapta’t, coordinates the global citizenship education initiative Genogràfic, and contributes to science outreach through the Melanogaster, Catch The Fly! project.
Artificial Intelligence for Biodiversity Monitoring
Tom August
Computational Ecologist
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)
A leading researcher in the application of artificial intelligence, computer vision, drones, and high-performance computing for biodiversity monitoring (https://www.ceh.ac.uk/staff/tom-august). Tom August develops innovative technological solutions to improve the collection, analysis, and sharing of biodiversity data. He currently chairs the European COST Action InsectAI (https://insectai.eu/), which promotes the development and application of imaging technologies and artificial intelligence for insect identification and biodiversity conservation.
Gerard Talavera
Principal Investigator
PhyloMigration Lab
Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB–CSIC)
Gerard Talavera’s line of research deal with the use of genomic and ecological tools to study biodiversity, evolution, and insect migration, with a particular emphasis on butterflies. Much of his work is centred on the migration of the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui), establishing him as a prominent science communicator dedicated to raising public awareness of nature and biodiversity. (https://www.phylomigrationlab.com/)
Javier Temes
Investigador Postdoctoral
PhyloMigration Lab
Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB,CSIC)
With a multidisciplinary background spanning physics, biology, and molecular medicine, complemented by over 30 years of experience in computing and more than 5 years in biological research, he is currently focusing his work on the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, for the study of insect migration.
Victoria Burton
Postdoctoral Researcher
National Education Nature Park (Natural History Museum, UK)
Her research combines ecology, citizen science, and data analysis to understand how soil and leaf-litter invertebrate communities respond to human impacts, particularly in forest and urban ecosystems. She is currently investigating how changes in land use and habitat improvements affect biodiversity. (https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/people/victoria-burton.html).
Mihai Corneliu Giurca
Technical Trainer
Bosch Romania
Specialist in technical training and digital transformation applied to engineering. He currently focuses on developing skills related to automation, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 technologies. His experience combines industrial and academic backgrounds, with a particular interest in applying emerging technologies to training and solving technical challenges.
Thomas O’Shea-Wheller
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Exeter
Biologist specialised in the ecology and behaviour of social insects, with a particular interest in collective behaviour and self-organisation. His research combines experimental studies with artificial intelligence to monitor and analyse insect behaviour, as demonstrated by the VespAI project, which focuses on the automated detection of invasive hornets.
María Cholvi Simó
Predoctoral Researcher in Medical Entomology and Vector Control
Universitat de València (UV)
María Cholvi Simó investigates the development of innovative strategies for the surveillance and sustainable control of insects of public health importance. She is a member of the European COST Action InsectAI (https://insectai.eu/stsms-experiences/), where she contributes to the development and application of artificial intelligence-based tools for the study and monitoring of disease-vector insects, including mosquitoes.
Biodiversity, Global Change, and Citizen Science: The Collective Power of Doing Science Together
Atia Cortés
Senior Researcher and Activity Lead
Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC)
A computer engineer, researcher, and university lecturer specialized in artificial intelligence, bioethics, and digital health. Her investigation examines the ethical, social, and legal implications of AI, with a particular focus on algorithmic bias and the development of responsible artificial intelligence. (https://www.bsc.es/es/cortes-atia)
Roberto Torres
Communications Director
La Ciència Al Teu Món (LCATM)
Co-Director of Melanogaster, Catch The Fly! (MCTF)
A science communication, graphic design, and marketing specialist with extensive experience in international advertising agencies. Over the past decade, he has concentrate on designing science communication strategies for research institutions and scientific projects, combining creativity, strategic communication, and audiovisual production. He is the Director of La Ciència Al Teu Món and has been recognised for his contributions to science outreach aimed at young audiences.
Sebastián Jara
Software and Technology Developer
A collaborator on several Melanogaster, Catch The Fly! projects, Sebastián Jara contributes in software engineering and artificial intelligence. His work combines the development of AI-driven solutions with the creation of interactive systems and emerging technologies, bringing together technological innovation and digital creativity.
María del Carmen Arboledas Hita
Vocational Education Teacher
CES Ramón y Cajal (Granada)
María del Carmen Arboledas Hita has been an active collaborator in the Melanogaster, Catch The Fly! project for several years. She has participated in Drosophila collection campaigns and initiatives such as Time Flies! and Dros-AI, promoting collaborative learning as a working approach while strengthening the connection between scientific research and the educational community.
Jose Luis Olmo Rísquez
Secondary School Teacher
IES Azuer de Manzanares (Ciudad Real)
In addition of being an active contributor to the MCTF project for several years, he participates in numerous other programmes, projects, and science fairs, sharing his scientific knowledge and expertise. He was recognised as the Best Teacher of Castilla-La Mancha in 2022–2023.
Ana Belén Yuste Martínez
Secondary School Teacher
IES María Pacheco de Toledo (Ciudad Real)
Biology and Geology teacher and participant in the MCTF project, as well as in numerous other scientific projects and science fairs. She has practical experience integrating Artificial Intelligence into science education.
Consult the
PROGRAM
About MCTF
This event is part of Melanogaster, Catch The Fly! (MCTF!) (https://melanogaster.eu/inicio/), a citizen science project that actively engages students and teachers in European research on the genomics of adaptation through the international DrosEU network, which brings together 73 laboratories across 28 countries.
Since 2016, MCTF has built an international community of educational institutions across Europe and Latin America, encouraging students to take an active role in sample collection, scientific analysis and science communication on biodiversity and climate change.
