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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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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 microbial pathogens of wheat and other important crops 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

Hybrid wheat varieties yield 10-15% more than conventional lines but a cost-effective system to produce hybrid seeds on a commercial scale is missing.

Student intake

Open for Bachelor, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

Evolving with sexually transmitted infections.

Student intake

Open for Honours, PhD students

People

To address the urgent threat to pollination posed by the establishment of Varroa mites in Australia, which will decimate honey bee populations, we aim to domesticate native Australian bees to use as alternative pollinators.

Student intake

Open for PhD students

This project aims to improve understanding of the capacity for resilience and response to warming and drying conditions and extreme events in vulnerable alpine communities: interacting suites of alpine plants, soil invertebrates, fungi, and microbes.

Student intake

Open for Summer scholar, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

We are a dynamic group of researchers interested in understanding climate change ecology, in particular how form and function evolve and will determine performance and persistence of Australian native plant species and communities under rapidly changingclimate regimes. Student projects are available!

Student intake

Open for Summer scholar, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

News

Peiyu Yuan.

We may be in the middle of an insect mass extinction. The once abundant Rocky Mountain locust was last seen in 1902. Under the Mikheyev Group, Peiyu Yuan used data from a related extant locust species and comparative genomics to identify artifacts in museum data of the Rocky Mountain locust.

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The amazing diversity we see in Australian animal developed early and has slowed considerably in the last 10 million years, say Ian Brennan and Scott Keogh from the ANU Research School of Biology.

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Benjamin Schwessinger talks about research, teaching and equity

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They say leaders are born not made, but it seems the opposite is true for queen bees, according to a new study by researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) and Queen Mary University of London.

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Sasha Mikheyev's lab uses technological advances, largely in sequencing, to understand how organisms respond to biotic changes in their environments.

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Within two days of Josh Penalba submitting his PhD, the Biology graduate started working in a lab at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

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