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Evolutionary genetics and genomics

Genetics research at ANU explores phenotype variation, development, epigenetics, and plant-animal interactions, with a strong focus on chromosome evolution and large-scale sequencing in plants and animals.

About

New methods in genetics and genomics have allowed a rapid expansion of research into the basis of variations in phenotype, development and the epigenetic variations induced by diet and other lifetime experiences. Genetics research in the Research School of Biology spans plants and animals and model and non-model organisms. We have a strong reputation in epigenetics, chromosome evolution, developmental biology and in plant-animal interactions and are well equipped in large scale sequencing facilities.

Groups

A white, tadpole-shaped marine organism displayed against a dark background.

Our research is aimed at uncovering the genetic and genomic basis of morphological complexity in animals, from both developmental and evolutionary perspectives.

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A close-up view of densely packed coral polyps exhibiting intricate, honeycomb-like textures underwater.

We use molecular tools to investigate many aspects of coral biology including comparative genomics, development, stress responses and calcification.

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Group of nine people posing in front of a colorful mural outdoors.

We study the genetic basis of Climate Adaptation in foundation plant species, using state of the art Genomic and Phenomic techniques

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A digital illustration of a DNA double helix in a soft blue environment.

We use phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate the characteristics of lineages that influence the pattern and rate of genome evolution.

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A serene tropical rainforest scene with a calm river, lush greenery, and a large twisted tree on the left bank.

We are interested in big-picture questions about biodiversity. Why are there so many species in the tropics? How have some places become biodiversity hotspots?

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Fahrer group

We are working on a very simple and inexpensive cancer immunotherapy treatment, and a bioinformatics study looking for novel proteins in different genomes.

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A possom on a tree

The aim of our research is to understand the ecology and evolution of interactions between plants and animals in the Australian biota.

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A colorful illustration of a variety of insects, including beetles, butterflies, and bees.

Research in the Head Group focuses on the evolution, ecology and physiology of sexual reproduction.

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A close-up view of a complex, lace-like structure inside a circular frame, resembling a microscopic coral or sponge.

We focus on understanding what processes shape the distribution of genetic variation.The nature of our work is largely computational and statistical.

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3 guppies

What do we do? We are interested in whole organism evolutionary biology, especially the evolution of behavioural and morphological reproductive traits.

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A bright green frog with large black eyes sitting on a leaf.

My primary research interest is the study and evaluation of evolutionary processes and we work mostly on reptile and frog systems.

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A circular phylogenetic tree diagram showing the relationships among various life forms including Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota, with colored branches denoting different groups.

Our work is motivated by the desire to understand molecular evolution, from the origin of mutations in individuals to their fixation in evolving lineages.

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An adult bird feeds a chick perched on a branch in a natural setting.

We study many aspects of evolutionary and behavioural ecology in birds, mainly by using field experiments and observations to test evolutionary theory.

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A close-up photo of a unique green and maroon orchid with elongated, curved petals and stripes, set against a soft-focus green background.

Our main research interest is in fungal-plant-interactions, both applied and pure research, on a range of important pathogens.

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A close-up of a bee on the left and a colorful 3D model of a molecular structure on the right.

We are investigating diverse epigenetic mechanisms in the context of behaviour and developmental plasticity, mainly using the honey bee model.

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Logo for ANU Bee Lab featuring a stylized bee above the letters "ANU" with "BEE LAB" in a yellow rectangle.

Our research actually spans may study systems and research questions. But the evolution of honey bee parasites and diseases and is a major focus.

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A dry, sparse landscape featuring red rocky outcrops and scattered scrub under a clear blue sky.

Our research focuses on evolutionary biogeography; biodiversity discovery and conservation; biogeography speciation; and biological responses to climate change.

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A group photo

We are interested in phenotypic plasticity - the range of forms a given genetic individual can exhibit under different environments.

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A close-up photo of a lizard with intricate, mosaic-like patterns on its skin.

Our research explores how early developmental experiences impact physiology and metabolic function.

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A wasp with distinctive yellow and black markings perched on a green stem against a dark background.

Our research spans reproductive ecology, genetics, phylogeny, biochemistry and chemical ecology.

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Pogson group

The overarching theme of our research is to determine the controls and regulators of communication between the chloroplast and nucleus.

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Illustration showing how cyanobacteria and carboxysomes support photosynthesis in a tobacco plant, detailing the flow of molecules like CO2 and sugars.

The Price lab is presently focusing on the molecular biology and physiology of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria (blue-green photosynthetic bacteria) and plants

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Three people engage with equipment near an open SUV in a dense, wooded forest.

We study the mechanisms behind the proximal processes of evolution – those that lead to population differentiation, divergence and ultimately speciation.

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A group of people smiling for a photo on a sunny beach with waves in the background.

Our team focuses on questions around plant biosecurity in Australia by studying the interaction between plants and their fungal pathogen.

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Group of eleven diverse people posing together on a sandy beach.

The Solomon group focuses on pathogens of wheat that threaten food security and stability.

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A collage of diverse scientific diagrams and data visualizations including charts, graphs, and molecular structures.

We study aspects of the evolutionary process, including mutational events, the genetic basis of fitness-related traits, and genetic variation.

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Group photo

We study the basic biology of parasites, with the hope that such knowledge can be used in developing new treatment options against these formidable foes.

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Projects

This project aims to develop an innovative rapid detection assay for pathogen molecules in wheat cells containing specific resistance genes. This assay will enable us to harness the full impact of the genomic revolution on plant pathology.

Student intake

Open for Bachelor, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

The ARMF willsupport research to assess the extent and effects of changing climate, water and fire regimes on ecosystem processes and their feedbacks and provide a structure for integrated research, management and governance of Australia's mountains.

Student intake

Open for Bachelor, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

All domains of modern biology are increasingly dependent on computation and this dependence on algorithms is most readily apparent in the disciplines that utilise genetic data.

Student intake

Open for Bachelor, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

This project is looking to install the C4 pathway from maize into rice, to supercharge photosynthesis and increase crop yeilds.
It is part of a C4 rice international consortium of labs, and is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Student intake

Open for Honours, PhD students

People

A primary biosecurity threat to the Australian wheat industry is Zymoseptoria tritici, a fungal pathogen. Research is currently underway to understand how the pathogen interacts with wheat and causes disease. Opportunities exist for students at all levels to become involved in this project.

Student intake

Open for Bachelor, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

Projects dealing with CO2 acquisition by cyanobacteria and plants, and impact of climate change, and the engineering plants that use less water and produce greater yield.

News

A new study shows that we can use existing conservation data to predict which currently unthreatened species could become threatened and take proactive action to prevent their decline before it is too late.

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While most spiders are creatures of solitude, a study involving researchers from ANU has found some species have become more gregarious.  

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To measure the speed of adaptive evolution in the wild, we studied 19 populations of birds and mammals over several decades. We found they were evolving at twice to four times the speed suggested by earlier work.

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The raw material for evolution is much more abundant in wild animals than we previously believed, according to new research.

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An Australian mammal thought to have been wiped out over 150 years ago can now be crossed off our list of extinct animals, following a new study.

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Australia has the world’s worst track record for wiping out mammals, with 34 species declared extinct since European colonisation. But today, we bring some good news: one rodent species, Gould’s mouse (Pseudomys gouldii), is set to be crossed off Australia’s extinct species list.

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