In mathematics and physics, a symmetry is a transformation of an object or a situation which leaves the object or situation the same, in some sense. Ashwin Pande's talk will be an introduction to the notion of symmetry and its usefulness in the disciplines. If time permits, we will discuss the notion of broken symmetry.

In biological terms, symmetry is a trait that evolved over 500 million years ago. Subhash Rajpurohit's discussion will cover an introduction to symmetry, its mechanisms, and the reasons for its success. It will touch upon the evolutionary side of both no-symmetry and bilateral-symmetry.