Objective
In the project proposed here, I will study host-parasite interactions from an evolutionary perspective, in particular the evolution of virulence (i.e. the harm that a parasite causes its host). The research will be conducted with Prof. A Read at the Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology (ICAPB), University of Edinburgh. Parasite infections are often mixed, that is two or more different clones of a particular parasite infect each host. Theory suggests that competition between clones in mixed infections is an important factor in the evolution of virulence. It also suggests that whether such competition favours increased or reduced virulence depend on the nature of the competitive interactions. This theory is largely untested. Rodent malaria has proved a useful model system to test various aspects of the theory of host-parasite interactions. I will investigate the nature of the competition between different clones of the malaria parasite, in particular whether competition is mediated by the host' s immune system. To this end, I will compare the extent of competition in normal and immunodeficient (genetically engineered) mice. This proposal has three main training objectives: First, I will have the opportunity to expand my knowledge in what is for me largely a new research field. Second, I will learn to work with a new model system, i.e. rodent malaria. Third, I will learn several new techniques. Thus, the proposed project will broaden my research experience considerably. I aim to continue with research on the evolutionary ecology of host-parasite interactions after the fellowship, so the skills and knowledge I acquire in Edinburgh will be critical for my development as a researcher.
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.
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases parasitic diseases malaria
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology evolutionary ecology
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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.
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.
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.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
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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.
Coordinator
EDINBURGH
United Kingdom
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.