Objective There is an immediate need to increase our understanding of the genetic basis for fitness differences in natural populations (Ellegren and Sheldon Nature 452:169-175, 2008). Fortunately, technological developments within genome research, notably the recent ability to retrieve massive amounts of DNA sequence data based on next generation sequencing , will make possible completely novel investigations of the link between genotypes and phenotypes in non-model organisms. With our background as major players in molecular ecology and evolutionary genomics of non-models for the last 15-20 years, we are excellently placed to take on a leading role in this process, developing a Next Generation Molecular Ecology . This research program will combine studies of candidate genes with large-scale gene expression analysis, several mapping approaches and comparative genomics to study the genetic basis of trait evolution in wild bird populations. First, we will search for and analyse loci involved with reproductive isolation and adaptive population divergence in a well-known system for speciation research the pied flycatcher and the collared flycatcher. A milestone of this program will be genome sequencing of the two flycatcher species. Second, we will track the genetic basis of behaviour using a unique breeding population of zebra finches and benefitting from the recently obtained genome sequence of this species. Third, we will identify the targets for adaptive evolution during avian evolution using comparative genomics. Overall, the program will be able to reveal the molecular genetic architecture behind phenotypic variation. The potential for scientific break-through in this interdisciplinary program should be significant. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological scienceszoologyornithologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomes Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-LS8 - ERC Advanced Grant - Evolutionary, population and environmental biology Call for proposal ERC-2009-AdG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Coordinator UPPSALA UNIVERSITET Address Von kraemers alle 4 751 05 Uppsala Sweden See on map Region Östra Sverige Östra Mellansverige Uppsala län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Hans Ellegren (Prof.) Administrative Contact Frida Svedbergh (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution € 2 500 000,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UPPSALA UNIVERSITET Sweden EU contribution € 2 500 000,00 Address Von kraemers alle 4 751 05 Uppsala See on map Region Östra Sverige Östra Mellansverige Uppsala län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Hans Ellegren (Prof.) Administrative Contact Frida Svedbergh (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window
