ICTS

Understanding phenotypic variation in terms of the underlying genetic variation is one of the central problems in biological evolution. During the last decade, valuable insights into the genetic architecture of phenotypic traits have been obtained and it is found that many phenotypic traits ranging from crop yield and human height to complex diseases are polygenic, that is, they are influenced by a large number of genetic variants. Despite this evidence, evolutionary biology continues to be dominated by two extreme views of adaptive dynamics where adaptation occurs either via large changes at a few genetic loci or infinitesimal changes at a very large number of them. 

The aim of this program is to integrate these two seemingly disparate ideas into a single framework and extend their ambit to include other modes of adaptation, and address how one can describe other scenarios quantitatively and relate them to empirical data.

The program will feature pedagogical lectures, research seminars and dedicated tutorial and discussion sessions.

Eligibility criteria: We invite applications from PhD students and postdocs from India and abroad who are interested in the topics of this program and more broadly, quantitative evolutionary biology. Applicants with documented interest in polygenic adaptation and/or evolutionary and quantitative genetics will be given preference.

Accommodation will be provided for outstation participants at our on campus guest house.

ICTS is committed to building an environment that is inclusive, non-discriminatory, and welcoming of diverse individuals. We especially encourage the participation of women and other under-represented groups.