Music is one of the most fascinating human activities. Although it does not provide a survival advantage, it has been found in every known human culture since prehistoric times. The study of music is a very fruitful field of study in different disciplines, from philosophy, musicology, psychology and biology, among many others.

In recent years there has been a growing interest in understanding the genetic bases that allow human beings to compose, produce, perceive and enjoy music. Different research teams around the world have been able to advance this knowledge. In 2022, the Musicality Genomics consortium (MusicGens, https://www.mcg.uva.nl/musicgens/) was established, an international consortium of researchers studying the relationships between genes and music.

As part of their activities, the members of the consortium meet in person once a year to work on the research projects that are underway. This year, the meeting will take place from 18 to 20 September 2025 in the Barcelona area. Having some of the most outstanding scientists in the field of genetics and music psychology is a unique opportunity to open up this scientific knowledge to society.

Relevant actors from the local scientific and artistic community of Barcelona will participate in the event together with some of the members of the MusicGens consortium to establish a conversation-debate around this research, which is located at a privileged intersection between the biological sciences (genetics, neuroscience), social sciences (psychology) and humanities (artistic creation).