Young BM Network
Illustrated recreation of Biovolutionary's mascot,
Bivo the Bird.
Biovolutionary, the origin of Young BM Congress
The Biovolutionary conference was born from the vision of young biology students at the University of Liverpool. Inspired by the diverse approaches to science education across Europe, they set out to create a shared space where bioscience students could connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another's experiences. Their goal was simple: to build a community where students could discuss current and future projects, share knowledge, and forge lasting connections across the continent.
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The first edition of Biovolutionary took place in Liverpool in 1990, bringing together 40 participants from seven countries. The concept resonated deeply - particularly with Swedish attendees, who took the initiative to host the following year in Stockholm. Over the next decade, the gathering evolved into an annual tradition: a congress where biology took center stage, friendships were formed, and each year brought the discovery of a new European city. After Stockholm in 1991, the congress traveled to Limerick (1992), Hamburg (1993), Sheffield (1994), Tampere (1995), Nijmegen (1996), Vienna (1997), Leuven (1998), returned to Liverpool for its 10th anniversary (1999), and then to Tübingen (2000).
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The 2001 edition was planned for Malta, but unfortunately could not take place. Organizers made efforts to reschedule for the following year, but ultimately the congress was canceled. With no other countries able to revive the event in 2002, Biovolutionary came to an indefinite close.
Young BM, a new beginning...
Logo of Young BM Network used until 2023.
Nearly 15 years later, a group of young biology students from the University of Malta rediscovered Biovolutionary through a former organizer. Inspired by its legacy, they initially set out to revive the congress under its original name and format. However, after several twists and turns, they decided to reimagine it for 2017, giving birth to the Young Biologists Matter Congress and establishing the Young BM Network association to serve as its organizing body.
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Since 2017, nine editions of the revitalized congress have been held, preserving the original spirit while introducing new features and exchanging ideas with similar European congresses. In 2024, the format evolved further, splitting into two parallel events - each dedicated to a distinct branch of the biosciences.
The first Young BMol edition, focused on molecular biosciences, was held in Malta in November 2024.
