New strategies to characterise genomic diversity for biodiversity conservation

Genetic diversity is one of the three basic elements of biodiversity. Understanding the full extent of this diversity within species is fundamental for their conservation.

However, despite the ongoing advances in DNA sequencing technologies, conservation genomics is lagging behind in using whole-genome data efficiently.

In contrast, other fields, such as human genomics, have developed theoretical and computational approaches to tackle this.

If applied to endangered species, these approaches will provide a better understanding of their genetic diversity, particularly regarding the structure of this diversity across populations and its effect on adaptation to changing environments.By leveraging two types of genetic data currently overlooked in conservation genomics haplotype information and structural genomic variation, I will develop new analysis strategies to characterise genomic variation in endangered species.

Using the Arctic fox as a model species, I will use whole-genome data from both present-day and historical samples to: 1) infer subtle patterns of population structure and gene flow, 2) quantify temporal changes in genomic structural variation and 3) assess the ability of these types of genetic data to inform on adaptation to local environments.This research programme will provide not only a comprehensive characterisation of genomic diversity in Arctic foxes with a direct impact on the Swedish Arctic fox conservation programme, but also new analytical tools for conservation genomics, unlocking the full potential of whole-genome data for biodiversity conservation.Combining my solid track record on both human and biodiversity population genomics, and the hosts extensive expertise on conservation genomics and palaeogenomics, this fellowship will allow me to obtain the key scientific and transferrable skills to establish myself as a research leader in the field and make substantial contributions to biodiversity conservation.