Research

The interrelationship between genetics, heredity and evolution is the focus of research of the Laboratory of Genetics. Central is the study of genetic
variation that ranges from the processes that produce it (mutation,
recombination), to the factors that have shaped its architecture in the past, and to the factors and processes that determine its fate. Our current research focus can be captured in the following three themes (1) Generating variation; (2) Genetics and levels of selection, and (3) Genetics of adaptation. Within these themes we can retain and expand on our national and international reputation as a key research group with a unique focus on fundamental and applied aspects of genetics and heredity.

Because evolutionary theory applies to all life forms, and heredity is a key
characteristic of life, the genetic and evolutionary analysis of biodiversity
requires a broad range of model species that span the major kingdoms.
Therefore, the Laboratory of Genetics uses prokaryotes (bacteria) and
eukaryotes from yeast, fungi, to animals (insects) and plants (i.e. Arabidopsis thaliana). All our systems are characterized by the ease of
laboratory rearing and by the availability of a plethora of genetic and
phenotypic tools for experimental manipulation.

Below is a selection of research projects currently performed at Laboratory of Genetics. In many of these projects there are possibilities for BSc and MSc students to perform a thesis. If interested please feel free to contact the responsible researcher directly. A more up-to-date list of thesis topics can be found here: https://bit.ly/3DCJbBU, or have a look at our Genetics Thesis & Internship Brightspace (use self-enroll in the Discover section of Brightspace). If in doubt, please contact Bart Pannebakker, the GEN Thesis coordinator at thesis.gen@wur.nl.