Evidence for the existence of Precambrian supercontinents, especially of the end Mesoproterozoic supercontinent Rodinia, has provided a new conceptual framework for understanding Earth evolution and stimulated research in all disciplines of the Earth Sciences. This concept formed the basis for the establishment of the Tectonics Special Research Centre in 1997, with a nine-year mission to discover the supercontinents of which Australia has been part in the past three billion years and the processes that formed them.

This conference aims to synthesise our current understanding of Supercontinents and Earth Evolution. It will provide a platform for international scientists to discuss their research through focused thematic and poster sessions, pre- and post-conference field trips to Proterozoic orogens and organised social events.

Themes for discussion at the conference will involve processes and environments of supercontinent accretion and their impact on Earth evolution. Specific topics will include:

• Assembly and dispersal of supercontinents: palaeomagnetics and palaeogeography, with emphasis on Rodinia, assembly of Gondwana, and evidence for Palaeoproterozoic supercontinents

• Global processes and Earth Evolution: origin and setting of global glaciations (Snowball Earth), link between tectonics and environment, oxygenation of atmosphere; the role of mineral deposits in deciphering Earth processes; plume tectonics

• Assembling Australia: Proterozoic orogens and mineral potential

• Orogenic processes in space and time

• Imaging orogens: especially seismic reflection signature of collisional and accretionary orogens and implications for understanding orogenic processes; linked to IGCP 474.

It is anticipated that presentations associated with major themes will be published as special issues of relevant journals.