Project description
The genetics of survival
What allows species to survive over time? Models predicting extinction risk tend to ignore important genetic and historical variables influencing species’ persistence. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GENESAVER project aims to bridge this gap. More specifically, the goal is to use genomics, ecology, and historical information to provide better predictions of extinction risk in vertebrates. Examining genomes, ecological characteristics, and historical events will help identify how the demographic history and genetic variation of species affect their risk of extinction.
Objective
Biodiversity faces unprecedented threats, yet current extinction risk assessments remain limited by insufficient integration of genomic, ecological, and historical data. This project will bridge this gap by revealing how genomic diversity and demographic histories shape extinction vulnerability across vertebrates, using advances in genomics and computational modelling.
Focusing on ~200 species spanning mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, the project will:
- Quantify variation in demographic histories among vertebrate groups and identify key ecological and life-history drivers;
- Assess how paleoclimate shifts, habitat fragmentation, and human impacts have influenced species’ population dynamics;
- Detect genomic signatures linked to endangered status and develop a predictive model for extinction risk.
The research will harness extensive public whole-genome data, ecological traits, and historical records, combined with unique data and resources from the host, a leader in vertebrate genomics and biodiversity modelling. By combining coalescent-based demographic inference with advanced statistical and machine-learning approaches, the project will generate new understanding of species’ evolutionary histories and extinction risk, clarifying links between genetic diversity, resilience, and conservation status across vertebrate lineages.
Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, the project will deliver tools to improve extinction risk assessments and guide conservation actions, supporting European biodiversity goals. Results will be shared through open-access papers, major conferences, conservation guidelines, and outreach via European biodiversity networks. Methodological robustness and ample resource availability ensure the project’s feasibility. The fellowship will also equip the researcher with advanced skills in bioinformatics, machine learning, and interdisciplinary science communication, reinforcing their capacity for impactful, independent research.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics
- humanities history and archaeology history
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology ecosystems
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08002 Barcelona
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.