Tree of Life

Overview

The Tree of Life Programme investigates the diversity of complex organisms (eukaryotes) found in the UK through sequencing and cellular technologies. It also compares and contrasts species' genome sequences to unlock insights into evolution and conservation.

Led by Professor Mark Blaxter this new research Programme focuses on a range of activities, including:

Darwin Tree of Life Project

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is leading the UK-wide initiative to read the genomes of all 60,000 complex species (eukaryotes) in the British Isles.

The Project draws together a wide range of institutions, universities, funding bodies, museums and horticultural organisations to gather, read and explore the genomes of these UK-based species.

Faculty-led research

Our current Faculty will also be joined by further faculty research leaders to design and deliver a range of laboratory and computational experiments that use the Darwin Project’s data and techniques.

These studies will unlock insights into areas such as population genomics, evolution and the emergence of species, and why some species develop certain genetic conditions when others do not.

Tree of Life Twitter channel

The Tree of Life Programme has a Twitter feed of its latest developments, projects and work. To keep up to date with the latest news, please visit: https://twitter.com/sangertol