Research topics
At the Institute of Ecology and Evolution (IEE) we study evolution in the broadest possible sense, from virtually every angle and using a great range of organisms and techniques.
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.