Shaping the Neogene: Climate, Tectonics, Life
Exploring the ecological drivers of continental ecosystem change in time and space
Join us for a three-day RCMNS workshop at the JURASSICA Museum in Porrentruy, Switzerland (5–7 September 2025)
The history of Neogene continental ecosystems has been shaped by two main drivers – climate and tectonics. This workshop aims to explore these and other ecological drivers influencing the evolution of biodiversity during the Neogene. Building on the strength of previous RCMNS workshops, we seek to reinforce the synergy between (paleo)zoology and (paleo)botany, as well as the study of climatic and tectonic influences on the understanding of Neogene geobiodiversity.
Topics
The workshop, following previous RCMNS traditions, will feature presentations, thematic sessions, and round-table discussions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, geo-/biochronology, vertebrate paleontology, paleobotany, climate-tectonic interactions and their impacts on the biotic records, Neogene terrestrial ichnology, and climate modeling. We welcome additional topic and session proposals within the framework of the general theme. Depending on the number of participants and our thematic areas, dedicated sessions will be organized.
Contributions
We invite submissions that synthesize data. The workshop aims to encourage debate and dialogue, with ample time allocated for discussion. Information regarding presentation slots, talk durations, and poster opportunities will be provided in the second circular.
Conference Fee
The workshop fee is estimated at 55 CHF (~55 Euro). This fee covers organizational costs, an abstract book, coffee breaks, field trip (in Switzerland).
Financial contributions / Grants
The Swiss organizing team will apply for additional funding through the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to partially or fully cover travel, subsistence, and accommodation costs (excl. participation fees, conference fees, field trip). This funding will prioritize Early Career Researchers and researchers from developing countries.
Application process: Interested participants must submit a CV (which will be provided to SNSF) and a motivation letter addressing the following criteria:
- General and academic background;
- Research topic(s) related to the Neogene and the Circum-Mediterranean regions (Europe, Asia, Africa);
- How will this workshop benefit your research and how your research aligns with the workshop’s themes;
- Statement confirming the unavailability of other funding sources;
- Career goals.
This information will be essential for justifying selection criteria in the funding request.
Please send your CV and Motivation letter along with your abstract to the designated contacts by the submission deadline.
Ice Breaker Party
The Ice Breaker Party is planned for Friday, 5th September at 19:00 at the Les Pénates (see below) and will cost 25 CHF, which includes dinner and drinks.
Food
We have secured affordable buffet menus for breakfast (13 CHF), lunches (23 CHF), and dinners (19 CHF), over the three-day event, at Les Pénates SA (www.lespenates.ch). Prices are per person, per meal. Non-alcoholic drinks are included in the price. Meal selections can be made via the google form provided. Please indicate your dietary restrictions therein.
Payment: Please add the total meal cost to your conference fee before making the payment. Example Calculation: If you wish to join Ice Breaker Dinner, both lunches and dinners on 06.09. and 07.09., the total cost would be:
Ice Breaker Dinner = 25 CHF
2 lunches (2 × 23 CHF) = 46 CHF
2 dinners (2 × 19 CHF) = 38 CHF
Conference fee = 55 CHF
Total amount to be paid: = 164 CHF
Please ensure that your total payment reflects your selected meals.
Payment/ Bank account
The conference fee should be paid at the following bank account in Swiss Francs indicting “RCMNS YOUR SURNAME”:
Bank account holder: Fondation Jules Thurmann
Address: Route de Fontenais 21, 2900 Porrentruy
IBAN: CH 17 0078 9016 5625 4453 7
SWIFT: BCJUCH22
Participants who are unable to complete the transaction in advance may pay on-site. However, please inform us in advance and/or indicate this under the “Remarks” section of the registration form.
Preliminary workshop plan
04.09. Excavation excursion at Hammerschmiede, DE and arrival in Porrentruy in the evening
05.09. Excursion at two Swiss Miocene sites and collection visit of JURASSICA
06.09. Workshop session: talks, posters, discussions
07.09. Workshop session: talks, posters, discussions
Excursions
If a sufficient number of participants are available, we will be glad to offer two excursions one in Germany and Switzerland.
04.09.– Germany
A one-day excavation excursion at the Hammerschmiede hominid site in the Northern Alpine Foreland Basin (earliest Tortonian) will be lead by Madelaine Böhme (m.boehme@ifg.uni-tuebingen.de).
Participation fee, transport to Porrentruy, and accommodation are estimated at around 160 € (per person in a single room) and 105 € (per person in a double room). A dinner of 15 € without beverages can also be offered at the hotel. The fees are to be paid on-site in cash.
05.09.– Switzerland
A one-day excursion to the Miocene sites of Glovelier (MN4) and Vermes (MN5), along with a collection visit at JURASSICA, will be offered. Please indicate your interest in the excursions during registration.
Accommodation
In Porrentruy, there are a number of hotels where you may book accommodation. Additionally, you may explore accommodation options (Airbnb / Hotels) in the nearby areas (Glovelier, Delémont, CH) or even across the border in Delle (FR). Rail and bus connections to Porrentruy are convenient and reliable.
Invitation letters
If you require an invitation letter to confirm your participation in the workshop or for a Schengen visa application, please contact us (see details below).
Interested in joining?
Please submit your registration by 15.05.2025 by:
- Filling in the registration form and,
- Send the abstract file either to D. Vasilyan or L. Sciscio (see contact details below)
Note: space limitations apply (max 60 people).
For updates and additional information, please consult the meeting website. The second circular with the program will be distributed in Summer 2025.
Contacts (please copy in both email addresses jurassica.ch and unifr.ch):
Davit Vasilyan davit.vasilyan@jurassica.ch ; davit.vasilyan@unifr.ch
Lara Sciscio lara.sciscio@jurassica.ch ; lara.sciscio@unifr.ch
If your email gets blocked from our high-security cantonal server, please use indicated alternatives.
Looking forward to meeting you in Porrentruy
Organizing Committee
Davit Vasilyan
Lara Sciscio
JURASSICA Team
Lars van den Hoek Ostende
