Research

The unit’s central and unifying theme is evolution and its consequence, biodiversity. We have a multidisciplinary approach, linking genomics, genetics and ecology. Work is integrated at different levels, from the genome to the species and sometimes to the community. The different teams study different aspects of evolution: adaptation, speciation, genome-environment interactions, as well as interactions between species within an ecosystem. Studies also concern genome behaviour or plasticity on an individual level. These key words can be found as intersecting lines of research in the different laboratory units.

EGCE is made up of three units:

– Evolution and Genomes Unit

– Evolution and Behaviour Unit

– Evolution and Ecology Unit

EGCE also has 4 technical platforms (Sequencing, Genotyping, Imaging, Breeding).

Through a wide range of partnerships EGCE coordinates or helps to coordinate a number of regional, national and international contracts, such as ANR contracts, support contracts for young ATIPE teams or European contracts.

LEGS, later renamed EGCE, was a driving force in setting up the Ecology, Evolution and Diversity of Life Institute (IDEEV, FR-3284), along with the IRD 072 unit that was part of LEGS, the Orsay Ecology, Systematics, Evolution laboratory headed by Jane Lecomte and the Le Moulon, Quantitative Genetics and Evolution laboratory led by Christine Dillmann. The IDEEV was officially launched in January 2010. It brings together 20 teams and 250 people working in the field of evolution on the big Gif-sur-Yvette/Orsay campus. Its aim is to become a nationally and internationally recognised scientific hub, well known to students and to institutions, with the capacity to bring to light new themes developed through interaction between the teams involved. It continued on from the work of the Evo-Sud network. As part of the “Grand Campus-Plateau de Saclay” project, the Institute continues to expand, with its own premises and teams grouped together on the same site.

Teaching

The professors and lecturers at EGCE teach students at all levels (Bachelor of Science, master’s degree or above) in a variety of subjects linked to evolution or the diversity of life. These areas include Animal Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Population Genetics, Genomics, Evolution and Ecology. Several researchers also teach subjects that are linked to their research work in a range of second-year master’s degree programmes.