Evolutionary Interactions

Microbial evolution underpins biodiversity and adaptation, influencing ecosystems and human health. Researchers at Norwich Research Park study microbial genomics, population dynamics and evolutionary mechanisms to understand how microbes evolve in response to environmental pressures.

Next-generation sequencing technologies and single-cell analysis allow for the characterisation of microbial interactions and communities across diverse ecosystems, from soil and oceans to the human gut. Our research reveals how microorganisms adapt to antimicrobials, climate change and host defences. This provides critical insights for managing emerging threats and supports the development of new software and datasets for the bioscience community.

Beyond healthcare, evolutionary studies inform conservation efforts, agricultural resilience trials and industrial innovation. By integrating computational models, experimental approaches and interdisciplinary collaborations, researchers are advancing our understanding of microbial genomes and evolution to address global challenges.