Institute of Evolutionary Biology

Welcome to IEB

A pair of breeding guillemots preening one another on the Isle of May, SE Scotland. Researchers at IEB have shown that pairs showing higher levels of preening were more successful breeders and were also less aggressive (photo:Sheila Russell)

A pair of breeding guillemots preening one another on the Isle of May, SE Scotland. Researchers at IEB have shown that pairs showing higher levels of preening were more successful breeders and were also less aggressive (photo:Sheila Russell)

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.