Evolutionary research
The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences is responsible for one of the core research areas of the faculty – Evolutionary research. The heart of evolutionary research at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ is a curiosity-driven approach to the scientific phenomena associated with change in biological systems, those processes that result in the creation and erosion of biodiversity. Research at JYU quantifies and explains changes across multiple levels of biological organization, from molecular networks to individuals, populations and ecosystems.
With a strong tradition of using experimental approaches both in the field and laboratory, evolutionary research at JYU moves beyond correlative analysis to validate evolutionary hypotheses and formulate new predictions: we are developing mechanistic tools to understand the evolutionary dynamics of complex systems.
Work is facilitated by a pleasant working environment, with, for example, a well-equipped DNA laboratory, and the Konnevesi Research Station.
Our current research strengths include
- the integration of evolutionary biology with ecology (e.g. evolutionary ecology, life history evolution)
- quantifying complex biological interactions (e.g. host–microbe evolution, plant–fungi evolution)
- using evolutionary theory in applied science (e.g. human-induced evolution)
We emphasize the synergistic benefits of applying diverse approaches, such as experimental research, modelling (comprehensive eco-evolutionary dynamics) and a suite of contemporary omics methodology (e.g. next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, stable isotope analyses, high performance liquid chromatography), to address complex evolutionary questions and to forecast evolutionary trajectories under theoretically and societally relevant scenarios.
We strive to engage in cooperation on teaching and research with the goal of yielding new solutions to societal challenges. If you have a new cooperation idea in mind, please get in touch!
We also welcome school children, students, companies and other visitors to get familiar with the Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Konnevesi Research Station. Come for a visit and learn about all kinds of surprising new things that can be accomplished by combining various fields of science!
We continuously cooperate with different sectors of industry and society. We have a wide range of capable experts, who are not only distinguished researchers but also good communicators willing to speak about their particular areas of interest and expertise
Come learn about all kinds of surprising new things that can be accomplished by combining various fields of science!
Visit the Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Cutting edge evolutionary research that also promotes discussion and increased awareness of evolution’s role in human and planetary wellbeing.