Objective
The transition from unicellular to multicellular life has fuelled biological diversity and complexity. Multicellularity has evolved repeatedly across the tree of life and within clades, such as the green algae, multicellularity has arisen independently numerous times. Why has multicellularity evolved so many times in some lineages, but not others? An untested idea is that multicellularity readily evolves from unicellular organisms that prolong their replicative (multicellular) life-stages under specific environmental conditions (“facultative multicellularity”). Here, I aim to investigate if facultative multicellularity has preceded the evolution of obligately multicellular life. I will use an integrated approach of empirical research with green algae and theoretical modelling that allows for a mutual exchange of expertise between the host group and me: (1) I will investigate if the genetic mechanisms that regulate facultative multicellularity have been under selection during the evolution of obligate multicellularity using comparative genomics and transcriptomics across eight origins of multicellularity in green algae; (2) I will investigate if obligate multicellularity evolves more readily from facultatively multicellular than from unicellular species using experimental evolution in green algae; (3) I will investigate if gene regulatory networks lead to developmental bias, favouring the evolution of obligate multicellularity from facultative multicellularity using theoretical evolutionary modelling. This project could significantly advance our understanding of the evolution of multicellular life by integrating mechanistic explanations of the molecular regulation of traits, cell behaviour, and development into evolutionary explanations. The project provides interdisciplinary training opportunities, where I will complement my theoretical background with a variety of experimental and molecular techniques.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
22100 Lund
Sweden
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.