Organisation profile

The common focus of our research is Evolutionary Biology, which aims to provide answers to the
complex historical process that accounts for the current earth biodiversity. We approach the
study of evolution from a genetic and genomic perspective, although natural selection operates
primarily on the phenotype and the genotype-phenotype relationship (development) is crucial to
understand adaptation. Therefore, our group uses an integrative approach to understand the
genetic basis of phenotypic diversity and evolution, from the analysis of genome variation and
the forces acting on it to how this translates in changes during development and phenotypic
traits. In particular, we use mainly Drosophila, humans and bacteria as model systems, and
combine methods of genomics, genetics, bioinformatics, computer simulation and evolutionary
biology. Also, we contribute to knowledge transfer to society by studying different factors
involved in disease susceptibility in humans and other organisms.