Land of Evo-Devo: The 2024 Latin American Developmental Biology Conference in Valparaíso, Chile.

Abstract

The 2024 Latin American Developmental Biology Conference, held in Valparaíso, Chile, brought together a dynamic and diverse community of researchers to discuss current advances and prospectives in embryology. With participants from across the Americas and beyond, this extraordinary meeting highlighted the region's growing role in the field. A central theme throughout was the growing need for integrative approaches that connect multiple layers of biological phenomena to explain how form and function emerge during development: in Latin America, applications of genomics, imaging, genetics, and computational modelling to unique biological resource are transforming our understanding of developmental systems. The conference also fostered a highly inclusive and interactive environment with enthusiastic participation from trainees and early-career scientists. Poster sessions, lightning talks, and workshops offered platforms for critical reflection on issues such as challenges in funding, inclusion, and research ethics. Despite political and institutional challenges in the region, the conference showcased the creativity, resilience, and momentum of Latin American scientists, affirming their critical role in directing developmental biology towards the new horizon.