What is
NWO-ALW and NGI cooperate on the topic of ecogenomics. The cooperation takes place in the field of fundamental scientific research and is based on the "national programming evolutionary and ecological genomics" (NP-EEC) , written by the Ecogenomics Netherlands Research Organisation (NERO) and geared to the Dutch researchers in the field of ecogenomics. The national programme contains three themes: Meta Genomics, Adaptation and Environmental Change and Comparative genomics and evolution.
The theme metagenomics will be executed by NGI. NWO-ALW will carry out the themes Adaptation and Environmental Change and Comparative genomics and evolution.
Problem definition
Ecogenomics is the emerging scientific discipline that studies the structure and function of a genome with the aim to understand the relationship between the organism and its biotic and abiotic environment (Van Straalen & Roelofs 2006). Ecogenomics involves several lines of research such as: unraveling patterns of genome evolution using (complete) DNA sequences; studying the impact of environmental factors on species at a functional genomics level by DNA microarray-based technology; investigating and discovering uncultivable microorganisms by metagenomics approaches; studying the role of (epi)genetic variation in stress responses and its impact on evolutionary change; and studying gene-environment-function relationships among different species using comparative genomics. The main drivers from a scientific point of view are to use new opportunities provided by the ‘omics’-technology revolution and apply these tools to better understand gene-function relations, to learn more about species interactions and the mechanisms of evolutionary change, to discover novel micro-life species and functions, and to better monitor and predict the potential impact of environment, landscape and climate changes on populations and ecosystems.
The focus will lie on a functional approach to the relationship between biotic and abiotic environment on the one hand and genes and gene functioning on the other.
Core theme is biological variation, both at the phenotypic and the genomic level, in natural environments and ecological relevant settings. Point of departure is the study of processes, not the study of model organisms.
Objective
The objective of the programme is to stimulate innovative and high quality scientific Ecogenomics research.
Themes
The programme Ecogenomics has two research themes:
- Adaptation and Environmental Change
- Comparative genomics and evolution
Programme duration
2009-2014
Funding
NWO-ALW
Budget
The programme Ecogenomics has a budget of 1M€.