Institute of Evolutionary Biology

Welcome to IEB

Ants and aphids on a gall. This image shows aphids feeding on sap from a gall induced by a wasp on an oak. The aphids are being tended by ants, which protect them from predators in return for the sweet honeydew they produce. The ants also protect the gall-making wasp from attack by its own enemies - so the loss of sap from its gall seems a small price to pay. IEB researchers are using these 'natural microcosms' as a window on the way complex interactions between species evolve. Photo: Graham Stone

Ants and aphids on a gall. This image shows aphids feeding on sap from a gall induced by a wasp on an oak. The aphids are being tended by ants, which protect them from predators in return for the sweet honeydew they produce. The ants also protect the gall-making wasp from attack by its own enemies - so the loss of sap from its gall seems a small price to pay. IEB researchers are using these 'natural microcosms' as a window on the way complex interactions between species evolve. Photo: Graham Stone

The Institute of Evolutionary Biology is one of the largest groupings of evolutionary biologists in the world. We study evolution in the broadest possible sense, from virtually every angle and using a great range of organisms and techniques.

Our strengths include speciation and population genetics, molecular ecology, genetics of complex traits, behaviour and social evolution, life history studies, biodiversity, molecular evolution and parasite-host interactions. See Research Themes for further information.

We are primarily housed in the Ashworth Laboratories along with our sister institute, the Institute for Immunology and Infection Research. We are also establishing the Center for Immunity, Infection and Evolution , with funding from the Wellcome Trust. These arrangements greatly enhance our interdisciplinary nature in the field of species interactions. Please note, that due to refurbishment, a number of staff are housed in the Peter Wilson Building from April 08 to January 09. Please see "Contact & Locations" or individual staff pages for more details.