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The Evolution of Human Diversity and its Impact
on Health
We study the evolutionary interplay between humans and their environments
to understand how this dynamic process gave rise to our complex biology;
how it made us such a diverse species; and how it impacts our health
and wellbeing. We are particularly interested in how genes and cultures
co-evolve to shape personalities, cognitive styles and social behaviour.
This evolutionary perspective provides novel insights into how human
diversity affects heath, welfare and human potential.
We apply genetic, genomic, bioinformatic, evolutionary and epidemiological
approaches to addressing these research questions. The work is underpinned
by a substantial collection of genetic samples from human and other
primate species, including from large, longitudinal population-based
cohorts linked to extensive
health, life history, psychometric and neuroimaging data, and by a state-of-the-art
biomolecular resource facility.
We are able to take advantage of ANU’s exceptional multidisciplinary
research environment, working closely with clinicians, epidemiologists,
neuroscientists, psychologists, bioinfomaticians and molecular geneticists.
We also collaborate with researchers from a wide range of disciplines
to explore the societal implications of our work.
Prospective Students: We welcome
enquiries from prospective Australian and international students interested
in enrolling for Honours
or PhD degrees
in this area of research.
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