Welcome to the first minisymposium in data-driven evolution and biodiversity research sponsored by the Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) program! At the mini-symposium, the first group of DDLS Fellows in evolution and biodiversity will present themselves and their research plans. There will be several inspiring keynote talks, presentations of the Swedish infrastructure for data-driven research in evolution and biodiversity, and discussions of the future of the DDLS program.