Research at Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics
The aim of the Center is to develop new and improved methods to study the entire molecular landscape between host and microbiome. The Center is directed by Professor Tom Gilbert.
Microbes are no longer considered passive passengers but active crew, who can affect and even condition phenotype in complex organisms whether plants, invertebrates or vertebrates. Traditionally, the two parties are studied independently, but the new ‘hologenomic’ approach jointly analyses the interconnection between host genomes and microbial metagenomes, and their combined functions.
The Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics (CEH) will develop and implement state of the art 'omics and associated computational techniques, and address through experimental and theoretical research, four fundamental questions about life on earth:
- WHAT is the relationship between a host’s genome and the functional and taxonomic makeup of its associated microbial metagenome?
- DOES this relationship explain ongoing ecological and evolutionary processes in the host?
- COULD this relationship provide an alternate explanation to some of life’s big transitions?
- HOW have we humans exploited this relationship?
For more details about our different research projects please visit our Research Groups.
List of publications by Tom Gilbert
- Official Opening of Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics at the Einar Lundsgaard auditorium. Postponed due to Covid-19.
- Virtual Center retreat 29.-30 October 2020 due to Covid-19. Physical Center retreat moved till 7.-8. June 2021 at Rungstedgaard.
- DG Center Conference, location to be determined. Postponed due to Covid-19.
The Danish National Research Foundation has funded the establishment of this new basic research center at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.