Understanding the Tree of Life is a 36-month-long conference project that brings together evolutionary biologists, museum educators (including natural history museums, science centers, zoos, aquaria and botanical gardens), and STEM-education/cognitive psychology researchers with the goal of improving both the research agenda and practice of the use of phylogenetic "tree of life" visual representations in museum exhibits on evolution. The project is multi-faceted, incorporating pilot research studies, a planning meeting and a major conference, and evaluation of the conference and impact on professionals. Participants represent several museums and university-based researchers across the country and one in Israel. Four research groups, twenty planning meeting participants, fifty conference attendees from thirty institutions, and twelve advisors will be involved.
