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Theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding Parallel Adaptation

Objective

Adaptation is a key evolutionary process, allowing organisms to thrive in different environments. Studying adaptation is important for understanding biodiversity, and for addressing pressing issues in conservation and medicine. A crucial question is whether adaptive evolution is repeatable and therefore predictable. Patterns in nature suggest that this may be the case: within many species, similar adaptive phenotypes have evolved repeatedly in multiple geographical locations (“parallel evolution”). However, it is often unclear whether the genomic basis underlying parallel phenotypes is the same across locations (e.g. due to mutations in the same gene, or gene flow between locations).
With high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies, it is now possible to address this question in unprecedented detail. However, we are lacking a theoretical framework predicting the genomic basis of parallel evolution, as well as powerful analyses of empirical data. Therefore, here I propose an interdisciplinary approach with the following aims:
1. Using computer simulations to study the effects of demographic history and polygeny on the genomic basis of parallel evolution. This will, for the first time, enable quantitative predictions.
2. Generalising the model outlined in 1. by describing it mathematically.
3. Exploring the genomic basis of parallel evolution in an ideally suited organism. I will identify the most powerful analytical methods, and apply these to generate one of the most comprehensive empirical studies so far.
This project will be of use to other researchers conceptually, for making system-specific predictions, and by providing widely applicable workflows. It will facilitate new collaborations between my host group (focusing on mathematical analyses of evolutionary processes) and empirical scientists. In addition, it will complement my existing skills in empirical genomics with a new set of analytical and mathematical skills, opening up the best career possibilities.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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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.

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.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017

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Coordinator

INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUSTRIA
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 166 156,80
Address
Am Campus 1
3400 KLOSTERNEUBURG
Austria

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Region
Ostösterreich Niederösterreich Wiener Umland/Nordteil
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 166 156,80
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