Eco-evolutionary Dynamics in Genomic Epidemiology (EDGE)

Research lines

The main objectives of the research group are to study the processes that shape the emergence, evolution, and spread of human pathogens in the context of global change. In this regard, the group aims to investigate the evolution of human pathogen populations as they adapt to changes in their habitats driven by climatic factors, as well as the mechanisms underlying the global dispersal and transmission of these pathogens. It also seeks to analyse the impact of ecological changes associated with human activity and climate change on the transmission of zoonotic pathogens and the diseases they cause. Finally, the group aims to develop predictive tools based on genomics, climate data, and artificial intelligence in order to anticipate epidemic risks on a global scale.

The group’s current research areas are:

• Molecular and pathogen genomics (genes, proteins and phages)
• Population genomics: transmission, evolution and resistance
• Environmental metagenomics and One Health
• Global pathogen surveillance and outbreak preparedness
• Pathogen adaptation to climate change and global warming
• Pathogen dispersal and biogeography at oceanic and planetary scales
• Artificial intelligence and remote sensing applied to epidemic risk prediction