Evolutionary Population Genetics
Positioned at the crossroads of population genetics, ecology and evolution, our research investigates how genetic diversity is generated, maintained and distributed across multiple levels of biological organization. We combine state-of-the-art genomic approaches with long-term field studies of wild populations to deepen our understanding of fundamental evolutionary processes, which is essential for biodiversity conservation in an era of rapid environmental change.
Previous and Current Research
Genetic diversity underpins biodiversity, influencing individual fitness, population resilience and evolutionary potential. Our work uses advanced genomic tools alongside long-term, individual-based field studies to study the mechanisms shaping genetic variation in wild populations of birds, mammals, invertebrates and fungi. By integrating molecular, ecological and evolutionary perspectives, we strive to better understand how genetic diversity arises, persists and evolves in natural systems.
Future Projects and Aims
Our ongoing and future research focuses on understanding the genetic health and resilience of individuals and populations in changing environments. We are particularly interested in the interplay between demographic declines, the accumulation of deleterious mutations, and their effects on fitness. We use bioinformatic tools to predict harmful mutations from whole-genome sequencing data and explore their dynamics through empirical analyses, simulations and comparative approaches.