For over 500 million years, evolution has shaped animal species, resulting in a vast array of unique traits and molecular configurations. Studying these configurations helps us better understand how different species respond to common survival challenges, such as infectious diseases, genetic disorders, aging, and extreme environmental conditions. Our team integrates cutting-edge “omics” technologies with computational methods to explore evolutionary changes in different animal lineages, focusing on genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic layers.

In the ATMOS group, we work on the theory, simulation, and modeling of materials. We focus on the study of materials both ab initio and with effective models. We also work on quantum optics and nanophotonics. Specifically, we address computational tasks from first principles, thermal transport, high-throughput materials screening, and ionic matter modeling. Additionally, we work on topological matter, surface electronic structure, many-body problems, quantum optics, magnetism, and nanophotonics.

Synthesis, characterization, and modelling of atomically controlled solid catalysts for energy efficient chemical processes, including the revalorization of fossil feedstocks, the upgrade of biomass, low-emission hydrogen generation strategies, and the abatement of greenhouse gases

Study the genetic and epigenetic component of autoimmune diseases through multi-omics approaches to identify the molecular mechanisms driving the development of these pathologies

Our vision extends to understanding the evolution and management of Mediterranean agricultural and forest landscapes and devising tools for phenotypic characterization and the monitoring of the physiological status of plants.

The Political Ecology Group (GEP) focuses on the interactions between local communities and natural resources, with special emphasis on the impacts of public policies and the market from an historical perspective and at a multiple scales.

The research line focuses on identifying the genetic and molecular basis of complex diseases, with a particular emphasis on the role of sex in their etiopathogenesis. To achieve this, the approach integrates genome-wide association studies (GWAS), admixture mapping, high-throughput sequencing, and several computational methods, including functional genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics, both at the tissue and single-cell levels.

The Bioclimatology and Global Change group studies how the atmospheric environment affects the health and well-being of living beings, analyzing climate patterns, interactions in the Earth system and the adaptation of the planet and its inhabitants to climate risks. With a multidisciplinary approach, it investigates the vulnerability of populations in the context of global change. The staff associated with BIOCLIM has a multi- and interdisciplinary background and translational expertise in the areas of geography, ecology, physics, biometeorology, epidemiology and biostatistics.