Welcome to The Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics

The Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics (CEFG) is home to 28 active research groups that use cutting-edge technology to further our understanding of complex biological systems and processes. The Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics is at the forefront of research on non-model organisms studying gene-regulation underpinning development and behaviour, evolution of adaptive phenotypes, social organisation, and biological complexity.

Specifically, we build on traditional model systems to transpose multi-omics approaches to non-model organisms. Our interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology, microscopy, computational biology, and in vivo experiments to study biological processes from the molecular level to a macroevolutionary scale.

Collectively, we seek to gain a functional understanding of how genomes generate the complexity of life on Earth. With this knowledge, we tackle the global challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, food security, disease prevention and healthy ageing.

Research in the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics is highly collaborative, maintaining partnerships with leading institutions worldwide and fostering a global network of researchers to advance our understanding of genomics and biology. The centre benefits from access to state-of-the-art imaging, genomic and animal facilities. Our genome research is also an essential component of our postgraduate education, being central to the “Bioinformatics”, “AI in the Biosciences”, and “Biodiversity and Conservation” MSc programmes at QMUL.