07-07-2023
Course Phylogenomics and Population Genomics: Inference and Applications
On 4th of July, the 19th edition of the advanced course Phylogenomics and Population Genomics: Inference and Applications kicked off. Joining experts and enthusiasts from around the world, the course provides rigorous training on the use of phylogenetic and coalescent-based methods. Its aim is to infer evolutionary mechanisms and history at the inter- and intraspecies level using high-throughput sequencing data. This course of 65 hours (two weeks) of hard work combining theoretical and practical sessions is aimed at graduate and post-graduate researchers.
For 17 years, the Universitat de Barcelona has pioneered on training in methodologies for data analysis in evolutionary biology in Spain. Since 2003, the renowned course on ‘DNA phylogenies and genealogies’ organized by Dr. Julio Rozas and Dr. Marta Riutort (IRBIO researchers), has served as a catalyzer to the professional development of more than 400 evolutionary biologists, ranging from master students to group leaders.
With the advent of high-throughput sequencing (HTS), the methodologies for the study of evolution have shifted towards a higher analytical complexity strongly linked to the magnitude of Big Data that needs to be necessarily accommodated in state-of-the-art teaching programs. In 2019, the course underwent a major revamping to adapt its content to the use of high-throughput sequencing data. Moreover, the updated course is now offered in English, to reach and attract additional international participants.
The training explores the main methods of phylogenetic inference: molecular dating, species delimitation, and methodologies based on the coalescence theory to infer demographic history and determine the impact of natural selection and adaptation. Special emphasis is placed on developing hands-on expertise in the use of the state-of-the-art software and explaining through practical cases the current and future applications of phylogenetic methods.
The course is organized by IRBio together with the Zoological Systematics and evolution research group, the Genomics of Adaptation Network (AdaptNet), and the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics research group. The first day finished with a nice poster session as well as an ice-breaking party, courtesy of our sponsor BGI Genomics. This allowed for bonding between participants and, hopefully, new collaborations!
Thank you, Miquel Arnedo, Alba Enguídanos and all the professors for your energy and dedication. Welcome to all students we are very happy to have you at IRBio and the Faculty of Biology of Universitat de Barcelona!