25.07.2024

Priority Programme “Genomic Basis of Evolutionary Innovations (GEvol)”

Deadline: 29 November 2024 (Short summaries); 29 April 2025 (Proposals)

New experimental and computational techniques provide exciting opportunities to study the evolutionary history of genomes using comparative genomics. These new tools help to reconstruct the emergence of new traits from an integrated, phylogenomic perspective, far beyond the limited perspective of individual model species.

The goal of the Priority Programme is to exploit new methods to reveal in the insect taxon the role of the following in trait evolution: 

• coding vs. regulatory changes
• transposable elements
• epigenetic regulation
• gene family evolution
• copy number dynamics
• structural genomic rearrangements, etc.

This is to be accomplished by using multiple cutting-edge quantitative OMICs resources (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics). Eventually, the emerging hypotheses are to be tested by experiments where possible and/or the analysis of data made available in a larger evolutionary context.

Insects are the most species-rich class of metazoans with a huge variation in various traits making them the ideal system to investigate general principles of the evolutionary dynamics underlying major innovations based on a comparative genomics framework. To achieve these goals, researchers from various disciplines such as genomics, bioinformatics, evolutionary ecology, molecular evolution, developmental biology, theoretical biology, taxonomy and genetics will work together. Specifically, we solicit proposals that use a genome-wide comparative approach to reveal the genomic dynamics which underlie the evolution of novel traits. Such traits may include, but are not limited to: 

• gain and loss of sociality or mating systems
• evolution of complex systems of communication
• interaction
• defence and immunity
• developmental and morphological phenotypic innovations
• evolution of sex-related genomic features

We do not encourage projects focusing on single genes and/or single organisms, unless they are embedded in a genome-wide comparative and/or multi-species approach, in particular if they further insights and projects from phase 1. Nor do we encourage studies and approaches with a strong focus on ecological, taxonomic, comparative physiology, population genetics or short-term adaptation. Comparative RNA-seq studies are welcome, provided they compare multiple species and complement other OMICs data (which may exist or are generated in companion projects). We highly encourage projects with a focus on modelling and simulation and/or functional genomic analysis. Further genomes or projects along the lines of phase 1 are welcome provided they are strictly complementary to existing projects.

To enable a tightly knitted network of collaborations, projects must target insects (but may also cover arthropod outgroups, e.g. spiders, for comparison). Exploratory studies, simulations and modelling are explicitly encouraged. Wherever possible, functional genomics (e.g. ATAC-seq, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics) and/or functional testing of emerging hypotheses using RNAi and/or genome editing should be considered for this round of funding.

To accomplish coherence and coordination, core projects in the Priority Programme will provide bioinformatics support and training, adjusted to complement funded projects, in particular in areas such as

• genomic innovations (e.g. gene family evolution, novel genes, novel motifs, chromosome birth and death, etc.),
• the evolution and diversity of epigenetic regulation (e.g. methylation, histone modification, 3D chromatin structure, etc.)
• functional genomics including prediction of regulatory motifs.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to liaise in tandem projects, for instance by teaming up a rather experimental group with a computational/theoretical group. The purpose of this approach is to propagate and catalyse the usage of novel and cutting-edge computational and experimental techniques across groups and, eventually, the whole German research landscape.
The DFG strongly welcomes proposals from researchers of all genders and sexual identities, from different ethnic, cultural, religious, ideological or social backgrounds, from different career stages, types of universities and research institutions, and with disabilities or chronic illness. With regard to the subject-specific focus of this call, the DFG encourages female researchers in particular to submit proposals.

Potential applicants are kindly asked to send a summary of the intended project(s) (including the applicant(s), preliminary title, abstract of no more than 1500 characters) by 29 November 2024 at the latest. To allow for mutual information and coordination among applicants, these short summaries will be compiled and made available to all applicants by the coordination office. 

Proposals must be written in English and submitted to the DFG by 29 April 2025. 

Complete Call:
https://www.dfg.de/de/aktuelles/neuigkeiten-themen/info-wissenschaft/2024/ifw-24-66