Research topics

Our research falls under three broad topics:

Evolutionary and Quantitative Genetics

We study fundamental and applied aspects of genetics, from theoretical population genetics to the genetics of complex traits.

Current research includes:

• Viral evolution
• Bacterial evolution
• Methods of phylogenetic analysis
• Molecular and genome evolution
• Comparative genomics
• The evolution of plant mating systems
• The genetics of speciation
• The analysis of quantitative trait variation
• Population genetics

Evolutionary Ecology and Behaviour

We explore the evolutionary causes and consequences of ecological interactions and behaviour, using theoretical and empirical approaches.

Current research includes:

• Host-parasite coevolution
• Evolutionary ecology of parasites
• Evolution of immunity and immune systems
• Social evolution
• Sexual selection and sexual conflict
• Reproductive allocation and life-history evolution
• Natural selection in the wild
• The evolution of sex differences in cognition
• Learning and memory in the wild
• The evolutionary biology of infectious disease

Biodiversity and Ecology

We examine biodiversity and ecological complexity, from genomes to ecosystems. Current research includes:

• Evolutionary developmental biology
• Metagenomics
• Phylogeography and ecosystem construction
• Plant conservation genetics
• Interactions between the physical and biotic environments
• Speciation
• The genomic diversity of neglected taxa

Our interdisciplinary research and teaching benefits from strong links with members of:

• the Institute of Immunology and Infection Research (IIIR),
• the Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID),
• the Wellcome Trust Centre in Development for Immunity,
• Infection and Evolution,
• the Centre for Molecular Medicine,
• the Life Physics Group,
• the MRC Human Genetics Unit,
• the Roslin Institute, and
• the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Many of us are joint members of IEB, IIIR, CID, and the Centre in Development.