Host-Parasite Coevolution: Programme coordination and meta-analysis of Host-Parasite Coevolution

Professor Dr. Joachim Kurtz

The main goal of the priority programme 1399 “Host-Parasite Coevolution” is to establish host-parasite coevolution as a powerful and versatile model for analyzing the causes and processes of evolutionary adaptation. The priority programme is expected to integrate as yet isolated research efforts within Germany. The opportunity for larger, concerted research within a priority programme will enable to uncover the molecular basis of evolutionary change during host-parasite coevolution. This requires that researchers with very diverse expertise, such as evolutionary biology, parasitology and microbiology, will be included. Moreover, rather than working on just one model organism, data will be acquired from many different species of hosts and parasites. The success of such a programme thus critically relies on excellent tools for communication, data exchange and coordination within the programme and with international researchers. While primary data and specific conclusions for each study organism will be provided by the individual projects, a central meta-analysis of the expected results is required to identify general patterns and to distinguish them from species-specific ones. Based on such a meta-analysis, modelling of general patterns and processes will allow achieving a predictive framework for host-parasite coevolutionary processes. For that purpose, funding for a communication and coordination system within this priority programme and for central meta-analysis and modelling is requested.