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INRA Researcher Antoine Kremer awarded Wallenberg Prize

Press release. 27/04/2006

INRA coordinates EVOLTREE, a new European network of excellence

EVOLution of TREEs as drivers of terrestrial biodiversity

A look at the evolutionary history of forests can guide scientists to predict how they might respond to future climate changes. But forests are complex ecosystems that need complex approaches to deliver a detailed understanding of how they function. These issues are now being addressed by an interdisciplinary network of scientists--EVOLTREE, a major European initiative being launched on the 27th of April at Pessac (33), France.

EVOLTREE involves 25 research groups from 15 European countries that are working together to identify and study genes of adaptive significance in order to evaluate the contribution they make to the evolution of tree species and tree communities. Research will also be carried out on organisms that interact with trees such as insects and mycorrhizal fungi.

The network brings together renowned experts in genomics and ecology to understand the factors contributing to the evolution of terrestrial biodiversity. Through this project, a new discipline is emerging: 'ecosystem genomics' combines genetics, genomics, ecology and evolution to study gene-level responses to biotic and abiotic selection pressures.

EVOLTREE will view global environmental change from an evolutionary perspective: the adaptive capacity of tree species, ultimately determined by the genetic diversity of tree populations, will be assessed using sophisticated genomic tools. Predictive methods, including modeling and simulation, will be developed to forecast forest trees' adaptive responses to environmental changes.

EVOLTREE is expected to have a strong impact on several scientific disciplines, including ecology, genetics, eco-physiology, palaeobiology, and conservation biology. It seeks to reduce the fragmentation of European research by providing a platform for research in ecosystem genomics, encouraging excellence in terrestrial biodiversity studies and improving mobility and training of researchers. The project will have impacts beyond its official duration by integrating research groups from various disciplines into multidisciplinary teams and enabling them to share facilities and infrastructures.

The ultimate aim of the network is to ensure that research findings influence policies and result in the effective and sustainable use and conservation of forest genetic resources. Specific activities within the project are designed to ensure that technical outputs are translated into practical recommendations and disseminated to stakeholders. EVOLTREE will contribute to new guidelines, criteria and indicators for the daily management of woodlands, which can be adapted to special-purpose forest stands.

Funded with a total EC contribution is 14.3 million euros, the four-year networking project is coordinated by Antoine Kremer from INRA, Bordeaux and has officially started since the 1st April 2006. 


For more information,
Interview of Antoine Kremer, Evoltree coordinator
Description of the European network of excellence
Description of the activities of Evoltree
Description of the partners of Evoltree

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