Research Groups

The group's research aims at understanding evolution at the molecular level using statistics and bioinformatics. We use population genetics and phylogenetic approaches to understand the evolution of molecular sequences at distinct levels: genes, genomes, RNA, proteins. We make an extensive use of complete genome sequences, gene family databases, (single cell) RNA sequencing datasets, models of protein structures, gene networks, etc. [more]

The Microbial Evolutionary Dynamics Group investigates evolutionary principles using bacteria in the wet laboratory. Currently most of our work focuses on the evolution of translation, with particular emphasis on the evolution of transfer RNA (tRNA). More recently we have also been investigating genetic mechanisms underpinning long-term survival in bacteria. [more]

Evolution proceeding at ecological time scales changes the way we approach traditional evolutionary dynamics.
We are interested in understanding the evolutionary change in interactions in the light of the ecology in which they take place. [more]

We are interested in the emergence and maintenance of structure and function of cellular assemblies - such as bacterial biofilms, multicellular stages of social amoeba, and planktonic communities - characterized by strong interactions and coordination among the composing units. [more]

Our research lies at the intersections of evolution with ecology and with medicine. Using mathematical models, we study which factors promote or hamper rapid adaptation to changing environments. [more]